Mets' Jonah Tong Embraces Increased Spotlight in Spring Training

Rookie pitcher looks to refine offspeed pitches and build relationships with catchers as he competes for roster spot

Feb. 14, 2026 at 3:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Jonah Tong, a top Mets pitching prospect, is facing increased scrutiny this spring training as he participates in his first major league camp. After making his MLB debut late last season, the 22-year-old is focused on continuing to develop his offspeed pitches and building relationships with the team's catchers, while maintaining the same mindset of having fun and learning as much as possible.

Why it matters

Tong is viewed as a key part of the Mets' future pitching rotation, so his development this spring will be closely watched by team officials as they determine his readiness for the upcoming season. His ability to handle the increased spotlight and continue refining his arsenal could impact when he earns a permanent spot on the big-league roster.

The details

Tong threw 36 pitches over two innings of live batting practice on Friday, giving the Mets their first chance to evaluate the rookie on the mound at Clover Park. He said his focus this spring is on further developing his offspeed pitches, including his cutter and slider, and working on pitch sequencing. Manager Carlos Mendoza wants Tong to 'enjoy' the experience, 'learn as much as possible' from his teammates, and 'continue to develop all these pitches' as he competes for a roster spot.

  • Tong made his MLB debut with the Mets late last season, pitching in five games.
  • Tong dominated in 20 starts for Double-A Binghamton in 2025, emerging as one of baseball's top pitching prospects.

The players

Jonah Tong

A 22-year-old pitching prospect making his first major league camp with the Mets after debuting late last season.

Carlos Mendoza

The Mets' manager, who wants Tong to 'enjoy' the experience, 'learn as much as possible' from his teammates, and continue developing his pitches.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I really get to appreciate not only the hitters in the box, but also building a relationship with the catchers. That's more important this time of the year as we get toward the season.”

— Jonah Tong

“I want him to enjoy. I want him to learn as much as possible from every guy that we have in that room and I want him to go out there and be himself. We know about the fastball and the changeup and he's working on a cutter. He's working on his secondary pitches, whether we want to call it a slider, and I want him to go out there and to continue to develop all these pitches, compete and prepare for his year.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager

What’s next

Tong will likely begin the 2026 season at Triple-A Syracuse to receive further reps at that level, after being called up to the Mets last year following only two starts for Syracuse.

The takeaway

Jonah Tong's development this spring training will be closely watched as the Mets look to integrate the top pitching prospect into their future rotation. His ability to handle the increased spotlight and continue refining his offspeed pitches could determine when he earns a permanent spot on the big-league roster.