Sep 18, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jonah Tong (21) pitches against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Jonah Tong is finally finding the consistency that has eluded him for the better part of the last season, and it is coming in Triple-A.
After a pair of emergency call-ups at the end of last season and earlier in this campaign, Tong, one of the Mets’ top pitching prospects, faced a 6.00 ERA across his first 15 starts this season with Syracuse. Over his last seven, he has a 2.65 ERA, allowing two or fewer runs in six of those outings. He went 5.2 scoreless innings on Saturday against Worcester, allowing just three hits with three strikeouts and just two walks.
Tong’s control has been an issue this season, with 57 free passes allowed in 100 innings of work, but he has issued two or fewer walks in four of his last five starts.
Considering the Mets are playing out the remainder of their schedule near the bottom of the National League, there will likely be calls to see what the 23-year-old right-hander can do with less pressure in the majors. Yet keeping him down in the minors might be the best course of action.
Tong looked woefully unprepared when he was called upon to help save the Mets’ season down the stretch last season, pitching to a 7.71 ERA in five outings. The results on paper were better in three big-league outings earlier this season, posting a 3.60 ERA, but a 1.500 WHIP and seven walks to seven strikeouts in 10 innings of work are a recipe for disaster.
The last thing he needs going into an offseason that should begin a legitimate push for a spot in the Mets’ rotation next season is a couple of throwaway starts and getting shelled in the process. Instead, it might be prudent to let him build on this Triple-A momentum — he only has 24 starts at that level — continue ironing out some of the kinks, and report to spring training ready to challenge for a spot.
For more on Jonah Tong and the Mets, visit AMNY.com
