The New York Mets have made another roster decision as spring training continues to wind down, officially optioning right-handed pitcher Jonah Tong to Triple-A Syracuse.
The move, first reported by Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, signals that Tong will most likely begin the 2026 regular season in the minor leagues, continuing his development while the Mets finalize their Opening Day roster.
Mixed results led to decision
The decision does not come as a major surprise.
Tong, 22, received a brief opportunity in the majors late last season but delivered mixed results during his initial MLB stint. With New York’s starting rotation already largely set heading into the season, there was limited room for the young pitcher to break camp with the big-league club.
During spring training, Tong made two appearances for the Mets.
His first outing came Feb. 25 against the St. Louis Cardinals, when he allowed a three-run homer to Nolan Gorman during 2.2 innings. Tong finished the appearance allowing three hits, one walk, and three strikeouts.
His second outing showed improvement. Facing Team Nicaragua on March 3, Tong allowed one earned run over 2.2 innings, giving up five hits while striking out three.
Developing a new pitch
One key focus for Tong this spring has been expanding his pitch arsenal.
The young right-hander has been working extensively on developing a cutter, hoping to add it alongside his existing mix of:
- Four-seam fastball
- Changeup
- Curveball
- Slider
Tong noted that the cutter felt particularly effective during his outing against Nicaragua, while also mentioning that he regained a better feel for his changeup after struggling with it earlier in camp.
Dominant minor league track record
Despite the option, Tong remains one of the more intriguing pitching prospects in the Mets’ system.
Last season he dominated in the minors, splitting time between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse. Across 22 starts, Tong posted remarkable numbers:
- 10–5 record
- 1.43 ERA
- 0.92 WHIP
- 179 strikeouts (minor league high)
That performance earned him a late-season call-up to the majors in August.
However, his brief big-league experience proved challenging. In five MLB starts, Tong went 2-3 with a 7.71 ERA, striking out 22 batters across 18.2 innings while posting a 1.77 WHIP.
Mets rotation already set
With Tong heading to Triple-A, the Mets’ rotation for Opening Day is taking shape.
Veteran Freddy Peralta is expected to serve as the Opening Day starter, while Nolan McLean slots near the top of the rotation as well.
The remainder of the staff is projected to include:
- David Peterson
- Sean Manaea
- Kodai Senga
- Clay Holmes
Another promising arm, Christian Scott, is also expected to begin the year in Triple-A as he continues working his way back after missing all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Still part of the future
Although Tong will not break camp with the major league club, the Mets still view him as an important piece of their pitching future.
With his electric strikeout ability and expanding pitch repertoire, it may only be a matter of time before the young flamethrower gets another opportunity in New York later in the 2026 season.
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