Some Major League Baseball prospects stand out; they have a unique talent that screams “transformative.”  Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates ace, is such an example. Pittsburgh drafted him first overall in the 2023 MLB draft, and he dominated the minor leagues. He flew through all levels, rising from the rookie league to the majors in less than a year. He is now one of the best pitchers in the game and the favorite for the NL Cy Young award.

Jonah Tong is another remarkable arm. He combines high skills comparable to Skenes with the unique magnetism of Tim Lincecum.  Unlike Skenes, Tong was not a high draft pick, selected in the 2022 MLB draft’s seventh round, but he has had a similar impact on the minor leagues through overwhelming dominance.

Tong Makes Hitters Look Silly

Starting in 2024, Tong has made minor league opposition look like Little Leaguers. Through three levels last year, he pitched 113 innings, allowed 85 hits, and struck out 160. His starts became events with his high energy, his lanky build, and a smooth, deceptive over-the-top delivery. Lincecum comparisons rose.

Tong excelled in 2024, but he has been otherworldly in 2025. New York Mets management planned on keeping him in Double-A throughout the season, but he forced their hand. Making mincemeat of hitters, he thrived in Binghamton, going 8-5 with a sparkling 1.59 earned run average. He pitched 102 innings and allowed only 50 hits while striking out 162.

General Manager David Stearns is meticulous to a fault. Despite Tong clearly showing he was ready for Triple-A months ago, he stayed in Binghamton, making his opponents look like the Bad News Bears. Finally, two weeks ago, he received the call-up to Triple-A Syracuse.

Tong Wows

If Stearns had any doubts that he should have moved Tong up much earlier, those should have been dispelled in a hurry. Tong has made two starts and astounded all with eye-popping numbers. He threw 11.2 scoreless innings with 17 strikeouts and 39 swing and misses during those two exhilarating appearances. He has 179 strikeouts on the season, becoming only the second minor league player since 2013 to do so by this date.

Tong’s starts are events; fans flock to his games because they know something amazing is going to happen. His teammates raise their energy levels because they expect to dominate, and they want to be part of something special.

Mets Must Be Bold

Stearns never anticipated Tong being anywhere near the Big Apple this season as part of the major league squad. Stearns’ carefully crafted plan has been thrown for a loop, and Tong has only added to the pressure since arriving in Syracuse.

Stearns needs to go against his nature and be daring. He moved towards this by calling up Nolan McLean, who has made an instant impact and can already be called the team’s ace. He should have gotten the promotion in early July; the delay likely cost the Mets at least several wins in the standings. Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

Bring Tong To New York

Stearns should stop wasting time and make the move to bring Tong to the Big Apple today. New York is in desperate need of game changers, and Tong is an incomparable talent who can help this team find redemption.

On June 13th, the Mets had MLB’s best record at 45-24. They looked like a shoo-in for the playoffs and were in a strong position to win the National League East. Since then, it has been in a free fall that reminds fans of horrifying collapses in 2007 and 2008 and the embarrassing 2022 late-season performance against the Atlanta Braves. Many are calling for the heads of Manager Carlos Mendoza and Stearns.

New York has played lifeless baseball for months and is in desperate need of a shakeup. Nothing provides that quite like a pitching phenom, especially one who makes his starts an event.

Dwight Gooden was such a case; he thoroughly dominated the minors, and General Manager Frank Cashen had a plan to take it slow. Manager Davey Johnson, with astute insight well ahead of its time, pushed for Gooden’s promotion to the Mets. Cashen relented, and history was made with Gooden winning the NL Rookie of the Year and following up the next season with the NL Cy Young.

End Of My Jonah Tong Rant

The greatest risks are the ones not taken. Could Tong benefit from a few more weeks in Triple A? Probably, two weeks is literally the blink of an eye in the baseball world. Sometimes, though, some players are so superb they must be on the biggest stage as soon as possible. It works against the greater good to deny them. Tong is such a case.

New York has a need that cries out for Tong’s help. Sean Manaea has been awful for the last few weeks, and it’s fair to speculate if he is healthy. A loose bone chip in his elbow delayed his return; he was deemed ready to pitch. The results suggest otherwise.

Kodai Senga, who pitched magnificently for three months before straining his hamstring, has struggled mightily since returning. His command has been off, and he has failed to provide length in any of his appearances. Frankie Montas, who was dreadful in his return, is now out for the season.

Earlier in the season, Mets’ management hinted strongly at going to a six-man rotation. Tong’s call-up would provide such an opportunity and give Senga more time to work through his issues. Even if Stearns decided to stay with a five-man group, Tong is ready to contribute. Manaea, at the very least, should be skipped a start or two. Tong can take his place.

A flatlining team, as New York has been since mid-June, needs a significant electrical boost. Tong, with his fantastic mound presence, his high-octane stuff, and generational talent, will bring it. Exceptional performers deserve high reward; he is such a case. Give Tong his just desserts and get him to the Big Apple promptly!