In a season where the possibility of missing the playoffs has crept up on the New York Mets, they have resorted to their AAA club for reinforcements, calling up Jonah Tong. Tong, ranked 44 on Major League Baseball’s top 100 prospects, was not a Syracuse Met for a long time. He made two starts in which he struck out 17 batters in 11 and ⅔ innings. The Mets, who have struggled to get quality innings out of starting pitchers, called up another top pitching prospect Nolan McLean, who has been a Godsend for the Mets down the stretch, pitching a 1.46 ERA in 12.1 innings pitched with the Mets. McLean stepping up in a failing rotation is exactly what the Mets want out of Tong if they want to turn around what has started to look like a sinking season.
Jonah Reid Tin Chee Matthew Tong was born on June 19th, 2003 in Ontario, Canada. Despite not pitching for his high school team, he showcased his skills in travel ball and ended up attending Georgia Premier Academy in the U.S. where he posted a 1.63 ERA with a whopping 43 strikeouts in 30 innings. He later committed to play at North Dakota State University, but was drafted by the New York Mets in the 7th round (209th overall), and signed for 225,000 dollars. Tong’s debut in the Mets system started off rough, posting a 6.00 ERA in Low A ball, however he showed flashes of talent with his strikeout capabilities. He later made himself known in May of 2025. In a start of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, the Mets Double A affiliate, he retired the first 20 batters with 13 strikeouts before hitting his pitch limit and being pulled.
After being named the Eastern League pitcher of the month in May and June, Mets fans couldn’t help but notice Tong’s dominance. He posted a sub 1.00 ERA in those two months, with a 40% strikeout rate. Opposing hitters batted just .140 against the right handed pitcher.
In July, Tong was invited to play in MLB’s futures game-a game where the best of MLB’s pipeline are matched up in NL versus AL matchup. He pitched a perfect 1-2-3 inning, and turned many heads with his fastball which hit speeds up to 97 mph. Shortly after the futures game, the Mets called up a small group of prospects from Double A Binghamton to Triple A Syracuse. That group, as many fans expected, included Tong. Tong made his Syracuse Mets tenure quick, making 2 starts, striking out 17 in 11 ⅔ innings, practically forcing his way to the big league club, who were expected to call up a starting pitcher before September 1st, when rosters expand from 26 to 28 and is the deadline for playoff eligibility. “I think it’s all about dominating the minors, It’s hard to keep him there.” said Mets manager Carlos Mendoza when asked about Tong. Many fans are concerned with how quickly the Mets called up Tong, but Jonah’s numbers back it up. He carried all his momentum from Double A straight to Triple A. Many undermine the difference between Double A and Triple A, as in Triple A you’re not only facing the best prospects, but players who have already been to the League, and are trying to get back. This difference in competition proved to be no difference to Tong, who now looks to make a smooth transition to the show.
Tong measures at 6’1, weighs in at 180 pounds and is extraordinarily skinny. Tong’s pitch mix consists of a fastball, curveball, slider, and changeup. His fastball is what he depends on the most, throwing in 60% of the time in the Florida State league. Batters whiffed 48% of the time they swung at Tong’s fastball, the best in the FSL. The main reason why Tong’s fastball is so dominant is his extension and delivery. His over the top extension is eerily reminiscent of former Major Leaguer Tim Lincecum, who Tong has stated his mechanics were influenced by.
As of Tuesday, August 26th, the Mets are 2.5 games atop the Cincinnati Reds for the final wild card spot-a little too close to comfort for a team that had World Series aspirations going into the beginning of the season. They are 6 games back from the Philadelphia Phillies for 1st place in the NL East, a division they once led by 5 games. Despite their offensive struggles all summer, their starting pitching became a talking point as well. Kodai Senga, who has been struggling with injury, has struggled to return to form since a leg injury he suffered back in June. Their two free agent signings Clay Holmes and Frankie Montas have both struggled as well. Holmes has made a few quality starts, but like many former relievers who become starters, has struggled to go deep into games. Frankie Montas, who has pitched upward of a 6 ERA, has been a disaster after missing half the season due to injury. He now has a torn UCL and may undergo Tommy John surgery. Sean Manaea, who also missed half the season, has struggled to go deep. The Mets hope to add Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong to the list of their solid starters along with David Peterson, who has been the Mets ace in 2025. The Mets face off against teams like the Phillies and Reds in the last month of the MLB season, and if they want to win these games, which will have massive postseason implications, they are in dire need of quality starts from their young players, and Jonah Tong looks ready to dominate for the Mets down the stretch.
