The New York Mets are keeping their top pitching prospect despite a season that’s gone sideways in nearly every way imaginable.
Jonah Tong isn’t getting moved at the August 3 trade deadline, according to Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The organization still believes in the 23-year-old right-hander even as he’s struggled through Triple-A this season.
“But despite a subpar season in Triple-A, the Mets are still holding starter Jonah Tong in high regard,” the report states. “While executives from different teams suggested the Mets would attract suitors if they put Tong on the market, New York likes him too much to do so, which makes any trade seemingly unlikely.”
That’s telling, considering how this season’s unfolded for the club.
The 2026 campaign has been a complete disaster – key players missing significant time, big-money free agents underperforming, and the whole thing spiraling toward what looks like a inevitable sell-off at the deadline.
But Tong’s staying put.
The numbers tell the story of why teams might be interested, and why the Mets are conflicted. In 10 innings across three MLB appearances this year, he’s posted a 3.60 ERA. That’s the good news.
The concerning part? Down in Triple-A, where he’s supposed to be refining his craft as a starter, Tong’s carrying a 5.90 ERA in 14 starts. That’s a far cry from last season’s 1.43 ERA in 22 minor league starts.
His big league work has come in relief, not as the starter the organization envisions him becoming. That’s where things get tricky – the Mets want him stretched out as a rotation piece, but his Triple-A struggles suggest he’s not quite ready for that role at the highest level.
Last year’s MLB debut didn’t go smoothly either. Tong posted a 7.71 ERA across 18.2 innings in five starts, showing the growing pains that come with young pitchers making the jump.
What makes this interesting is the trade interest from other clubs. Multiple executives believe the Mets could generate a solid return if they put Tong on the market. With the organization seemingly headed toward a retool, moving a prospect for immediate help elsewhere on the roster wouldn’t be shocking.
But they’re not budging.
The way I see it, this tells you something about how the front office views Tong’s long-term ceiling. Teams don’t hold onto struggling prospects unless they believe the talent’s still there underneath the rough patches.
At 23, there’s still plenty of time for development. Young pitchers often take winding paths to success, and the Mets seem willing to ride out this bumpy stretch rather than cash in their chips.
All things considered, it’s probably the right call. Trading a top pitching prospect during a down year rarely maximizes return, and the Mets will need homegrown talent as they work their way back to contention.
For now, Tong stays in Queens while the organization figures out how to get him back on track as a starter.
