Mets Need To Focus On Jonah Tong's Development, Not Pitching Needs In 2026

Jonah Tong got a taste of the major league lights as a late-season call-up to help support the Mets crippled and inconsistent pitching staff.

Tong, a top three prospect and draftee of the Mets organization in 2022, would ultimately struggle at the big league level after sheer dominance in the minors. 2025 would see a combined ERA of 1.43 in 22 starts between Double and Triple-A before being called up for his major league debut.

Tong was undoubtedly rushed to the majors, and it showed heavily. In 5 starts beginning in late August, Tong averaged over a run-per inning and a 7.71 ERA in 18.2 innings where he averaged less than 4.0 innings per start. A 2-3 record and 1.768 WHIP saw a pWAR of -0.8 that translates to a -5.4 in a full 162 game season.

Although the 22-year-old was far from perfect, there should be little-to-no worry going into 2026. The Canadian born righty will likely get comfortable in spring training and stay on the Mets 26-man heading into opening day.

Overall, having Tong begin 2026 in Triple-AAA though may be the best option development wise. Tong was excellent in Syracuse with 11.2 shutout innings before the eventual call-up. At only 22, Tong was on average 7.1 years younger than the entire Mets roster combined.

The 7th rounder was mainly promoted to help provide starting pitching depth in what was a lost season. Longevity is vital to Tong’s success and overall positive production on the Mets, who will likely hit both the trade block and free agent market for pitching this season.

New York has desperately searched for their next ‘deGrom-like star’ ever since Jacob’s exit. Tong could very well just be that, but in order for fans and the front office to see he needs proper Triple-AAA development and the Mets need patience.

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