As the season progresses, the New York Mets have begun to see the rise of a potential future star. The Mets have looked both good and bad over the last few weeks. However, just in case of a bad year, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel. The Mets’ top pitching prospect has only continued to look unreal.
Mets’ Pitching Prospect Shining in the Minors
Jonah Tong Is Beginning to Look Like One of the Best Pitching Prospects
Coming into the season, flame-throwing pitcher Brandon Sproat was the organization’s top prospect. However, as the season has continued, Jonah Tong has easily overtaken Sproat with some unbelievable stat lines. Currently, Tong ranks eighth in MLB right-handed pitcher prospects. However, he is almost certainly going to continue to climb the list.
Only one of the seven pitchers in front of him even has comparable stats. Two pitchers have made their MLB debuts this season, but the others have either struggled or just haven’t looked nearly as good as Tong. Tong has done well in the stat department, but also in the speed and spin department as well. His stats? Only the best New York has seen in a long time:
Tong’s Stats Don’t Look Like a Fluke
Tong’s stats this season have been amazing, as in Double A, he has 154 strikeouts and 44 walks in 97 innings pitched. Better yet, Tong has pitched to an amazing 1.58 ERA while leading the minors in strikeouts by a lot. He doesn’t just get in and out of trouble, as Tong also has an opponent .141 average and has pitched a perfect game along with some bullpen help. After Tong’s 154 strikeouts, the next best pitcher has 122.
Many pitchers may get lucky with their stats, achieving a low ERA or a high win total due to the team’s support. However, a 1.58 ERA and a massive amount of strikeouts aren’t easy to come by, especially when almost all of the stats are excellent. Tong is looking like the future ace New York wants and needs.
The Mets in this current time spend a lot of money, and if Tong becomes a player who can get the job done in the rotation while also costing nothing, then there is much that can be solved. At the moment, the Mets’ rotation is in shambles. A young starting pitcher like Tong in the future could massively help fix many of New York’s current and future issues.
The Mets Need Starting Pitchers, Especially Younger Pitchers
The Mets have a lot of money, as is clear from recent free agency deals. However, among the most important things for a team with money are stars, especially prospects. Tong can play a significant role shortly. As early as 2025? Likely not, but in 2026 and years to come, Tong may be the ace that can help the Mets become a true juggernaut with both young and veteran talent.
The Mets’ fab four and other youngsters show just how important it is for both veterans and young talent to do well. The Mets definitely have veterans who can carry the team, but in the future, the Mets would love to have young stars capable of doing the same.
Sometimes, hype around minor league pitchers doesn’t go anywhere. In the end, the minors aren’t the majors. However, when you’re doing what Tong is, you can’t help but feel that perhaps there is a chance of stardom or better. Tong has been absolutely dominant this season with strikeouts, ERA, and more. As a result, expect to see Tong climb up the top prospect rankings quickly and for Tong to have an impact on New York soon.
Main Image: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
