Mets Option Prospect Jonah Tong to Triple-A

The New York Mets optioned promising right-handed pitcher Jonah Tong to Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday, confirming the 22-year-old prospect will begin the 2026 season in the minors to continue his development. Tong, selected in the seventh round of the 2022 draft and ranked as the organization's No. 3 prospect, made his major league debut last August but struggled in five starts, posting a 2-3 record with a 7.71 ERA.

Tong's demotion came after a single spring training appearance, where he allowed three earned runs over 2 2/3 innings while experimenting with a new cutter pitch. His overall spring ERA reached 10.13, prompting the move as the Mets finalize their Opening Day roster. Despite the rough outings, Tong excelled in the minors last season, recording a 1.59 ERA with 162 strikeouts across 20 starts at Double-A Binghamton. He has made only two career starts at Triple-A, fewer than his major league experience, positioning him as a key depth option should injuries arise in New York’s crowded rotation.

The Mets enter the season with a six-man starting staff led by Freddy Peralta, the two-time All-Star acquired in an offseason trade from the Milwaukee Brewers. The group also...