A new ranking of rookies poised for a big season in 2026 announced that New York Mets prospect Nolan MacLean is the best in baseball, and he could be the club's top player by the playoffs.
McLean only made eight starts in 2025, but he took New York and the baseball world as a whole by storm. The third-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft went 5-1, posted a 2.06 ERA, and struck out 57 batters in just 48 innings. He was impressive and his stuff was electric.
The 24-year-old gave NY Mets fans hope that they may have another homegrown ace on their hands. However, it would not be surprising if McLean regressed during his first full season in the big leagues, as opposing teams get more tape on him and can develop better game plans to expose and attack any of his weaknesses.
Still, The Athletic's Jim Bowden doesn't see that happening, and he's a big believer in the NY Mets rookie's talent.
Will Nolan McLean be the NY Mets Game 1 starter in the playoffs?
"His breaking pitches are devastating offerings, and his aggressiveness in early counts reflects his competitiveness, confidence and poise. He's a good athlete who was a two-way player in college and early in his professional career. His potential and potential are very high," Bowden wrote after ranking McLean No. 1 on his list of rookies poised for a big season in 2026.
The former MLB general manager greatly praised Nolan MacLean's skill set. However, he offered a bold piece of praise that will surely surprise many NY Mets and baseball fans.
Bowden declared, "I wouldn't be surprised if, after the season, he's the Mets' Game 1 starter, with Freddy Peralta behind him. That's how much I love his potential."
If Freddy Peralta is as good as he was in 2025, and Nolan McLean proves he deserves to be their Game 1 starter to begin the postseason, New York will be a serious threat to reach the World Series this fall.
