When the New York Mets selected Jonah Tong in the 7th round of the MLB Draft, few could have anticipated the rapid strides he’d make in such a short time. Now ranked as the Mets’ #10 prospect according to MLB.com, Tong is proving to be much more than a mid-round gamble. His electric performances on the mound have scouts and fans alike taking notice—and hitters struggling to keep up. As Tong continues to develop, his unique blend of poise and potential has positioned him as one of the most exciting young talents in the Mets’ system.

Where did Tong emerge from?

Hailing from Markham, Ontario, Canada. Tong grew up in this suburban city near Toronto, Tong developed his passion for baseball in a region more renowned for its hockey stars. His dedication to the sport saw him excel at an early age, ultimately leading him to play high school baseball at Bill Crothers Secondary School – a school known for nurturing athletic talent.

Before being drafted by the Mets in the 7th round of the 2022 MLB Draft, Tong had committed to playing collegiate baseball at North Dakota State University. His commitment to NDSU highlighted his potential, but his standout performances caught the attention of scouts, leading him to embark on a professional career directly out of high school.

First year at a glance

In the 2023 minor league season, Jonah Tong, advanced across two levels. He began the year with the Florida Complex League Mets (Rookie level), where he pitched12.2 innings over seven games (five starts), recording a 6.39 ERA with 25 strikeouts and 13 walks.

Tong then advanced to the St. Lucie Mets (Single-A), appearing in three games (all starts) and pitching 8.1 innings, achieving a 5.40 ERA with 13 strikeouts and nine walks. Overall, his combined 2023 season stats included a 6.00 ERA over 21 innings, with 38 strikeouts and 22 walks, reflecting both his strikeout potential and areas for improvement in command.

You might wonder how Tong ranks as one of the Mets’ top prospects with those numbers. It’s not unusual for players coming straight out of high school to face challenges in their first professional season. A solid rebound in the second season is commendable—but Tong didn’t just bounce back; he shattered expectations.

Sophomore slump? Not in Jonah Tong’s vocabulary.

Heading into his second year of pro ball, Tong wasn’t exactly on everyone’s radar—but that didn’t last long. Across three levels in the 2023-2024 minor league season, Tong made a statement, compiling a 6-4 record with a 3.03 ERA over 113 innings pitched. He racked up an impressive 160 strikeouts while issuing just 47 walks, holding opponents to a 1.17 WHIP. Tong’s breakout season left no doubt that he’s a rising star in the Mets’ system.

What truly caught my attention was Jonah Tong’s performance on September 5, 2024, during his Double-A debut with the Brooklyn Cyclones. He dazzled, throwing six no-hit innings and striking out nine batters. Tong’s unique, unorthodox delivery—often compared to Tim Lincecum, aka “The Freak”—makes him a standout on the mound. If other teams weren’t paying attention to him before, they certainly are now.

Deeper dive into his pitch repertoire

Fastball: Tong’s fastball sits in the mid-90s, typically ranging from 93-95 mph. He commands it effectively, using it to set up his secondary pitches.

Curveball: His curveball, delivered in the high-70s, features a high spin rate, measured up to 2800 RPM, contributing to its sharp, late-breaking action. The average spin of a MLB curveball is 2545 RPM.

Slider: Tong’s slider complements his curveball, offering a different breaking pitch that keeps hitters off balance. While specific metrics are limited, his slider is noted for its tight break and effectiveness against right-handed batters.

Changeup: The changeup serves as a valuable off-speed offering, disrupting hitters’ timing and enhancing the effectiveness of his fastball. Details on its velocity and movement are less documented, but it’s an integral part of his repertoire.

Control: Throughout the 2024 season, Tong demonstrated improved command, achieving a strikeout-to-walk ratio of approximately 3.4:1, with 160 strikeouts and 47 walks over 113 innings. This improvement reflects his ongoing development and ability to challenge hitters consistently.

Jonah Tong’s path to the majors: 2026 looks right on track

MLB.com projects Jonah Tong’s MLB debut for 2026, and that timeline aligns perfectly with my expectations. If Tong continues his steady progress through the minors and takes advantage of the advanced pitching tools Steve Cohen and David Stearns have introduced to the Mets’ pitching lab, 2026 feels spot on. With Tong likely to spend 2025 developing further in Double-A Brooklyn and Triple-A Syracuse, and the Mets boasting a deep rotation for the 2025 season, there’s no need to rush the 21-year-old phenom.