Last season, New York Mets rookie starter Jonah Tong got his first taste of what the big leagues were all about, though in an unconventional way. The 22-year-old’s first cup of coffee didn’t go as expected, thanks to a rotation and a team that was not only pushing for a postseason spot but also struggling and missing several key arms.
Tong struggled in his first season. He pitched to a 7.71 ERA in five appearances (18 2/3 IP). With the Mets trading for ace Freddy Peralta, Tong is pushed out of the rotation — for now. He’ll start the season in Triple-A Syracuse.
Mets Starter Jonah Tong Plans to Develop Secondary Pitches This Spring
Having been called up to the majors last year, Tong automatically earned his first big-league camp invite. He plans on making the most of it. Asked about his objectives for spring training, he said, “I think just continue to develop the off-speeds.” He added, “I know that last year I was really confident in the fastball and changeup, and just making sure I have confidence in my other two offerings.”
So what do the Mets want to see out of Tong this spring?
“I want him to enjoy it,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “I want him to learn as much as possible from every guy that we have in that room. I want him to go out there and be himself.”
Remember how Tong mentioned those “two offerings?” Well, what are they?
“We know the fastball, we know the changeup,” Mendoza added. “[Tong] is working on a cutter and the secondary pitches, whether we want to call it the slider… and I want him to go out there and continue to develop all of his pitches, compete, and prepare for his year.
“He’s going to pitch for us, and we’re going to need him. So learn, have fun, and let the rest take care of itself.”
“I want him to enjoy it. 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.”
Carlos Mendoza talks about his expectations for Jonah Tong’s first major-league camp: pic.twitter.com/lcWXFEqOmt
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) February 13, 2026
Mets Hope for “Electric” Rotation
Tong — who began throwing already back in January — threw around 36 pitches in live batting practice at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie. He worked on all his pitches against live batters. Those included newcomers Bo Bichette and Jorge Polanco. “It feels great to be out there, especially with spikes on instead of running shoes,” Tong said.
Tong described the rotation — which will look something like: Peralta at the top, followed by rookie phenom Nolan McLean, David Peterson, Clay Holmes, and Sean Manaea — as “electric.”
“I think people are going to have a lot of fun watching it. It’s going to be a really fun year.“
Main Photo Credit: © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
