Starter Nolan McLean #26 of the New York Mets pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Chase Field on May 08, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. Getty Images Mets rookie Nolan McLean is beginning to separate himself in the National League Rookie of the Year race.
The right-hander entered the season as a slight betting favorite to win the award, and he’s doing little to give sportsbooks a reason to move him off the top spot.
BetMGM Sportsbook currently lists McLean at +270 to win NL Rookie of the Year, keeping him ahead of a crowded field of rookie position players trying to gain ground as the season moves deeper into May.
The 24-year-old has looked increasingly comfortable in the majors after arriving with significant expectations as one of the organization’s top prospects and flashing dominant stuff during a brief stint with the big league club a year ago.
Through his first six starts, McLean owns a 2.78 ERA while showcasing the swing-and-miss arsenal that made him one of baseball’s most intriguing young arms, striking out 57 batters in 45 1/3 innings.
He’s also improved his walk rate to 6.9 percent from last season while continuing to keep the ball in the yard (0.60 HR/9), leaving little doubt that this production could continue into the summer months.
Still, McLean will have to hold off a trio of hitters building strong NL Rookie of the Year cases of their own.
New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning of a baseball game, Friday, May 8, 2026, in Phoenix. AP The Reds’ Sal Stewart — who was the favorite as recently as a week ago — already has 10 home runs, though his bat has cooled in May.
MLB’s top prospect, Pirates infielder Konnor Griffin, remains the third favorite despite a relatively slow start to his career.
Cardinals infielder JJ Wetherholt is also off to a strong start and figures to remain a factor in the race.
All three players have odds of +400 or better, suggesting bookmakers are nowhere near ready to hand McLean the award.
McLean will take the mound Thursday afternoon in Queens in the Mets’ series finale against the Tigers.
Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.
