New York Mets Pitcher Leads NL Rookie Of The Year Candidates

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 16: Nolan McLean #26 of the New York Mets is hit with a bucket of water by his teammates after after pitching against the Seattle Mariners winning the game 3-1 in his Major League debut at Citi Field on August 16, 2025 in New York City. It was his first game pitching in Major League Baseball. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

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As Major League Baseball spring training is ready to begin, all eyes may be on the annual prospect rookie sensations.

For this old scout, the National League has three young prospects worthy of watching as Rookie of the Year candidates.

Those three players include:

DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 2: Nolan McLean #26 of the New York Mets pitches against the Detroit Tigers during the second inning at Comerica Park on September 2, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)

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NOLAN McLEAN-RHP-New York Mets

Right-hander Nolan McLean was drafted in the 3rd round of the MLB draft in 2023.

McLean is 6-2, 114 pounds.

Selected out of Oklahoma State University, McLean received a signing bonus of $747,600.

The Mets signing kept McLean away from playing football at Oklahoma State University.

A good athlete, when he was drafted, it was thought McLean could both pitch and perhaps occasionally serve as the team’s designated hitter. However, his career is definitely focused on pitching.

MLB.com evaluated McLean’s fastball as a Grade 60, but his slider was listed as a 70, which is All Star quality. He also throws a curveball, a cutter, and a changeup.

He has had some control issues in his development, but those should be corrected with time and experience.

McLean has completed parts of three seasons in his minor league development.

Last season, at both Triple-A Syracuse, and Double-A Binghamton combined, McLean fashioned a 2.45 ERA, and a 1.12 WHIP in 21 appearances, including 18 starts. He threw 113.2 innings.

McLean made eight starts with the parent Mets, throwing to a 5-1 record, a 2.06 ERA, and a 1.04 WHIP in 48 innings.

McLean’s rookie status remains intact.

fangraphs.com believes McLean will serves as the No. 2 starter in the Mets rotation, only behind Freddy Peralta, but ahead of David Peterson, Clay Holmes, Sean Manaea, and Kodai Senga.

JUPITER, FL – MARCH 14: JJ Wetherholt #7 of the St. Louis Cardinals is seen in the dugout during the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on Friday, March 14, 2025 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Jared Blais/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

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J J WETHERHOLT-INF-St.Louis Cardinals-Bats Left

Left-handed hitting JJ Wetherholt earned a massive signing bonus when the St. Louis Cardinals drafted him with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 draft.

Wetherholt’s $6.9M signing bonus was the largest of any West Virginia University player.

At the age of 23, Wetherholt has a chance to be the starting second baseman for the Cardinals.

fangraphs.com projects Wetherholt to break camp with the parent club, and hit in the No. 6 position in the Cardinals starting lineup.

Wetherholt has flashed an outstanding, Grade 65 hit tool, according to MLB.com. That is an All Star quality grade, and it is Wetherholt’s best and most advanced tool.

Wetherholt runs very well, and he could be a candidate to steal bases in a Cardinals lineup that is in the midst of transition.

As a middle-infielder, most likely sticking at second base, Wetherholt’s power may surprise.

Last season, at Double-A Springfield, and Triple-A Memphis combined, Wetherholt hit 17 home runs, and drove in 59 runs in 496 plate appearances. He also had 28 doubles, and stole 23 bases in 26 attempts.

Wetherholt makes excellent contact, using the entire field and barreling pitches with selectivity.

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 20: Bubba Chandler #57 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the game against the Athletics at PNC Park on September 20, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

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BUBBA CHANDLER-RHP-Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates are beginning to make some noise in the National League.

The Pirates have recently been interested in signing high-profile free agents.

However, their farm system may be the focal point of a renaissance,

While infielder Konnor Griffen gets great attention, MLB.com lists pitcher right-handed Bubba Chandler among the top Pirates prospects.

Chandler, 23, is a well-proportioned 6-3, 218 pounds.

Selected in the third round in the 2021 draft out of North Oconee High School in Bogart, Georgia, Chandler received a $3M signing bonus.

The signing bonus was enough to keep Chandler away from playing quarterback at Clemson University.

An excellent athlete, Chandler’s elite fastball, which touches 99-miles per hour, earns a whopping Grade 70 from MLB.com. He also throw s a Grade 60 slider, and Grade 55 changeup.

Fangraphs.com lists Chandler to be the No. 4 Pirates starter at the beginning of the new season.

Last year at Triple-A Indianapolis, Chandler threw 100 innings, in 24 starts. He threw to a 5-6 record, with a 4.05 ERA, and a 1.48 WHIP.

Chandler made seven starts for Pittsburgh, throwing 31.1 in 11 total appearances. He finished the year with a 4.02 ERA, and 0.92 WHIP.

Chandler retains his rookie status entering the new season.