Mets Top Prospect Struggles in Minor League Start

Jonah Tong, the Mets' No. 2 prospect, was roughed up in his second Triple-A outing of the season.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:05pm

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An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting the chaotic motion and emotion of a struggling minor league pitcher on the mound, with his features and uniform blurred into expressive brushstrokes.A minor league pitching prospect's outing takes a turn for the worse, exposing the intense pressure and unpredictability of professional baseball development.Toledo Today

After a strong season debut, New York Mets pitching prospect Jonah Tong had a rough outing for Triple-A Syracuse, allowing seven runs (four earned) in just 1.2 innings against the Toledo Mud Hens. The 22-year-old right-hander struggled with his control, walking three batters and giving up a bases-clearing double in the first inning before a four-run second inning that included a two-run homer.

Why it matters

Tong is considered one of the top pitching prospects in the Mets' system, but his brief MLB debut last season was shaky. This outing is a setback in his development as the Mets look to integrate him into their crowded major league rotation at some point this year.

The details

Tong, the Mets' No. 2 prospect, was roughed up in his second Triple-A start of the season, lasting just 1.2 innings and allowing seven runs (four earned) on four hits with three walks and two strikeouts. In the first inning, he issued a one-out double and then walked the next two batters to load the bases before a bases-clearing double made it 3-0. In the second inning, a pair of fielding errors contributed to a four-run frame that included a two-run homer by Wenceel Pérez.

  • On Thursday afternoon, Tong made his second start of the Triple-A season for Syracuse.
  • In his previous outing, Tong tossed four scoreless innings in Syracuse's season opener.

The players

Jonah Tong

The New York Mets' No. 2 prospect, a 22-year-old right-handed pitcher who made his MLB debut with the Mets last season.

Max Clark

MLB Pipeline's No. 8 overall prospect, who hit a double off Tong in the first inning.

Corey Julks

A big league veteran who hit a bases-clearing double off Tong in the first inning.

Wenceel Pérez

The Toledo Mud Hens player who hit a two-run homer off Tong in the second inning.

Freddy Peralta

A two-time All-Star pitcher who the Mets added in the offseason, making it easier for them to send Tong back to Triple-A for more seasoning.

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What’s next

Tong will look to bounce back in his next Triple-A start as the Mets continue to evaluate his progress and readiness for a potential return to the major league roster.

The takeaway

This outing is a setback in Tong's development, as the Mets' top pitching prospect struggled with his control and was hit hard in his second Triple-A start of the season. The Mets will be patient with Tong's progression, but he'll need to show more consistency at the minor league level before earning another shot in the majors.