Jon Heyman Top 15 rookies for the 2026 MLB season — with a pair of Mets riding high By Jon Heyman Published March 5, 2026, 7:10 p.m. ET Mets pitcher Nolan McLean throws live batting practice during Spring Training. Corey Sipkin for NY Post The Mets have two big Rookie of the Year candidates in a stacked field. That’s a testament to a productive system.
Here are 15 of baseball’s top rookies/future stars.
How is this guy still a rookie after his two-WAR, 2.06 ERA campaign? Well, you need fewer than 45 days and 50 innings, and McLean had 44 days and 48 innings.
Not only does Team USA’s scheduled final game starter have top-tier talent, his attitude’s perfect. After he agreed at $791,500, which is maybe 2 or 3 percent his actual value, he told The Post, “I’m just happy to be here.” About being Team USA’s final game starter, he said, “We have to get there first!” Perfect!
