Jonah Tong’s dominance presenting Mets with tough decision: ‘It definitely becomes a conversation point’
Aug 29, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jonah Tong (21) delivers a pitch during the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Jonah Tong is making it nearly impossible for the Mets to keep him down in Triple-A for the remainder of 2026, even if it might be the best course of action for the young, developing arm.
With Robert Stock struggling in the No. 5 role and with nothing else to play for, the 23-year-old right-hander continues to make his case as to why he should finish the year up in the big leagues.
Tong was masterful on Saturday night, allowing just one hit across seven scoreless innings of work for Triple-A Syracuse, striking out eight while walking just two.
“I think we’re glad to see those results from Jonah,” Mets interim manager Andy Green said. “Looked like the fastball had real life, which is really encouraging. He was winning at the top of the zone; the ball was really jumping out of his hands.”
After struggling with command for large portions of the season, it appears things are now under control. Tong has a minuscule 0.84 ERA across his last four starts, allowing just two runs in his last 21.1 innings of work. He has also walked two or fewer in five of his last six starts.
The Canadian has long been considered a viable future asset for the Mets’ rotation, and he will undoubtedly be in contention next season. This stretch might just accelerate the process.
Still, it would be wise for the Mets to practice caution with the young arm. He was called up out of desperation last season in hopes of saving New York’s season, and he posted an ERA over 7.00 in five appearances. The stat line was kinder in three emergency big-league outings this year — a 3.60 ERA — but the warts that had been plaguing his game since late last summer were still very much there.
“He’s doing some really nice things,” Green said. “So that’s definitely not unseen. It definitely becomes a discussion point for [president of baseball operations David Stearns], myself, and other people. Encouraging outing from him, for sure.”
For more on Jonah Tong and the Mets, visit AMNY.com
