Fans of the New York Mets have pinned their future hopes on Nolan McLean, and that faith is being rewarded.
McLean was named the top rookie to watch in all of Major League Baseball by former executive and writer Jim Bowden of The Athletic.
McLean went 5-1 with a 2.06 ERA over 48 innings in eight starts with the Mets last season, capturing the imagination of fans and those within the organization.
Bowden named the top-20 rookies to watch ahead of spring training, and McLean wasn’t the only Mets player on the list.
Nolan McLean Was Named the No. 1 Rookie to Watch in 2026
Though the Mets ended up 83-79, the 2025 season ended up being a huge boost for their organization thanks to McLean’s development.
The right-hander was rated as a top-100 prospect in 2025 but broke out by going 8-5 in the minors and getting the call up to the majors for his big-league debut Aug. 16.
McLean will enter the year as a front-of-the-rotation starter for the Mets, who is also being considered the club’s next great right-handed starting pitcher to much of their rabid fanbase.
“His breaking pitches are wipeout offerings and his aggressiveness early in counts shows his competitiveness, confidence and poise,” Bowden wrote. “He is a good athlete who was a two-way player in college and at the start of his pro career.”
Partially in hopes of properly slotting McLean as their No. 2 starter, New York acquired Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers to be its ace. But Bowden wouldn’t be surprised if McLean usurps that role from the veteran who was an All-Star and led the NL in wins last year (17).
“[McLean’s] potential and ceiling are so high that I won’t be surprised if, come the postseason, he’s the Mets’ Game 1 starter, with Freddy Peralta slotting behind him,” Bowden wrote. “That’s how much I love his potential.”
Carson Benge Was Ranked No. 12 On the Rookie to Watch List
McLean is a household name in Greater New York. But Carson Benge may be less well-known among both Mets fans and prospect followers.
But Bowden believes that will change this year.
“Benge, 23, is probably the most underrated rookie on this list,” Bowden wrote. “He’s a complete player, showing above-average tools across the board while playing with high energy, enthusiasm and aggressiveness. He’s going to really benefit from being around elite hitters like Juan Soto and Bo Bichette.”
Though the Mets added veterans like Bichette, Jorge Polanco and Luis Robert, Benge may not end up being blocked from playing his natural right-field position, especially with Soto moving to left field for this season.
Benge has climbed to the Mets’ No. 2 prospect this year, behind only McLean, and his development led Bowden to made a bold prediction for Benge to become perhaps the best NL rookie in 2026.
“It wouldn’t be surprising when the dust settles if he’s the one who wins NL Rookie of the Year,” Bowden wrote. “Benge doesn’t profile as a future superstar but rather an All-Star who’ll lengthen the Mets’ lineup significantly both short- and long-term.”
Mets Pitcher Named Top Rookie To Watch Ahead of 2026 Season