AL exec reveals only thing stopping Mets' Nolan McLean from winning a Cy Young in his career

The New York Mets are 10-21 on the season, and things don't look likely to get any better anytime soon due to the injuries and offensive struggles.

While things aren't going well, Nolan McLean, the Mets ace, has been great so far this season. Even if 2026 continues to be a disaster, at least McLean has looked good and should be an ace-level pitcher for a long time.

According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, an anonymous AL executive made a bold claim on McLean, that there's just one thing that will stop McLean from winning a Cy Young award: Paul Skenes.

Mets' Nolan McLean should win a Cy Young in his career

"McLean isn't a future ace; he's already a No. 1," one AL executive said. "If he doesn't win a Cy Young at some point, it's only because Paul Skenes pitches in the same league."

The Mets righty is one of the best pitchers in the sport right now, and he's still 24 years old. He has a long career ahead of him, which could be filled with All-Star nods and Cy Young votes.

This AL executive believes that McLean will win a Cy Young at some point in his career, and if he doesn't, the only reason would be that Skenes continues to be the best pitcher in the league and dominate the awards category.

So far through six starts, McLean has a 2.55 ERA this season. He had a 2.06 ERA in eight starts last year, and he's been one of the better pitchers recently.

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The young Mets righty looks to be one of the best pitchers in baseball, and with an NL-best 2.26 FIP this season, McLean is easily one of the top pitchers in the NL right now.

When it comes to winning the Cy Young award, he needs to do a whole lot more to have a chance. But, whether it's this year or any season going forward, this AL executive firmly believes McLean will win a Cy Young award in his career at some point.

It's a bold take for a pitcher who's yet to make 15 starts in the Majors, but what he's shown so far has been very encouraging. McLean is incredible, and as long as he's healthy, he will be a contender for the Cy Young going forward.

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