The most shocking stat about Jonah Tong isn’t his poor debut. It is his recent dominance in the minors. Over his most recent four Triple-A Syracuse outings, his ERA stood at 0.84. This number jumps out even more when you look at his first big-league taste. He struggled there, posting a 7.71 ERA in five starts last season. Yet, the New York Mets are now leaning towards giving him a start against the Marlins next week, according to RotoBaller MLB. This move makes sense only if you ignore the past and look at the last month. According to an organizational source, Tong is expected to be recalled to pitch during the Miami series.
A Shift in Strategy
Interim manager Andy Green is not hiding his interest. Tong’s potential addition to the squad would probably involve an expanded rotation, he suggested. This plan aims to create extra rest for the young starters who have been working hard all season. Regarding Jonah’s recent performances, Green stated to the press that the team has monitored them closely and views his results favorably. The team needs fresh arms to play out the string in 2026. Nolan McLean, Zac Thornton, and Christian Scott are set to face the Giants in the next three games. Justin Hagenman was already added to the rotation on Wednesday to give Scott a break. Tong could be the next piece to join that rotation mix.
Green believes Tong has the tools to succeed if he stays aggressive. According to him, Jonah typically achieves significant success when he attacks the zone and allows his top pitches to work effectively. This advice is key because Tong’s earlier numbers were messy. His command was uneven during three bulk-relief appearances earlier this season, when he allowed six runs, four earned, over 10 innings. But he has turned things around on the farm. Against Worcester on Aug. 29, he maintained a no-hitter into the seventh inning. That start ended with seven scoreless innings and eight strikeouts. He also struck out 23 batters in his last 21 1/3 innings. These are the numbers that get a prospect a look.
The Long-Term Gamble
The Mets are taking a calculated risk here. If Tong handles himself well in Miami, he could see more starts down the stretch. The organization views him as a potential piece for the rotation in 2027. MLB Pipeline currently ranks Tong as the MEts’ No.5 overall prospect and their second highest ranked pitching prospect. The team wants to see if the young right-hander has improved for the long term. His stats in Triple-A this season show a 4.54 ERA over 107 innings. However, his recent form is much better than that season average.
There is another piece of news for fans to track. Devin Williams has begun playing catch. This is his first throwing since he was placed on the injured list on Aug. 8 with a shoulder strain. Green said he did not have a timetable for a rehab schedule for Williams. Kodai Senga has filled the closer’s spot in the meantime. The focus for now remains on Tong’s potential debut. He last pitched in the majors on June 2 against the Mariners. He allowed five runs in that outing. But the 0.84 ERA in his last four starts tells a different story. The Mets are ready to see if he can translate that success to Citi Field or Miami.
