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
The New York Mets still very much believe in their top pitching prospect, Jonah Tong, despite a down season, and it’s why he likely will not be shopped with the majority of the rest of the organization before Major League Baseball’s Aug. 3 trade deadline.
As first reported by Will Samon of The Athletic, it would take a near-perfect package to coax the 23-year-old right-hander from David Stearns’ clutches.
Tong has seemingly regressed after lighting it up in the minors last season, which earned him a remarkably quick call-up to the majors despite making just two starts in Triple-A. That promotion came out of desperation, though, and Tong showed that he clearly needed more seasoning in the minors before he could be a full-time contributor to a big-league rotation.
But in 14 minor-league appearances this season, he has a 5.90 ERA, allowing 13 home runs with 74 strikeouts and 38 walks across 61 innings of work. He went 1-1 with a .360 ERA across three MLB appearances this season — another call-up facilitated by a staggering lack of depth in the pitching department built by Stearns.
The Mets are going to be shopping numerous arms in the coming weeks before the trade deadline. Having already traded David Peterson to the Chicago Cubs, Freddy Peralta, who has failed to live up to the ace expectations put on him when acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers, could be one of New York’s most valuable trade chips.
Clay Holmes will also have a bustling market even while he’s recovering from a broken leg. The veteran righty was throwing in the outfield at Citi Field prior to Thursday’s series finale against the Kansas City Royals.
Relievers Brooks Raley and AJ Minter are also expected to be hot commodities.
For more on Jonah Tong and the Mets, visit AMNY.com
