Mets Hold Onto RHP Jonah Tong Ahead of Aug. 3 Deadline

Trade Rumors Focus on Key Prospects

The New York Mets, currently sitting at the bottom of the National League East, are expected to make limited moves when the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline arrives. Sources close to the club indicate that right‑hander Jonah Wong is off the market, and a similar stance is being taken regarding fellow pitcher Jonah Tong. Executives also note that while some teams might view Tong as trade bait, the Mets value him enough to keep him in the organization. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon reported that the last‑place Mets are unlikely to entertain offers for either pitcher.

Jonah Tong’s Numbers at Every Level

Tong burst onto the scene with three relief appearances during spring training, posting a 1‑1 record, a 3.60 ERA and 10 strikeouts over ten innings. He now splits time with Triple‑A Syracuse, where his numbers have regressed to a 1‑5 mark, a 7.23 ERA and 14 starts. His performance on the bump highlights both his upside and the challenges he still faces at the minor‑league level.

Despite the fluctuations, the 23‑year‑old remains the franchise’s top prospect and ranks 80th overall on MLB Pipeline’s list. Scouts praise his 64‑degree arm angle, which is among the steepest in the game, and note his ability to generate ground‑ball action with an above‑average stride that drops his release point below six feet. These physical attributes are the reason the Mets continue to rate him as a top‑50 talent despite the current mediocre stats.

Scouting Highlights and Velocity Gains

His fastball, once clocked at 91‑94 mph in 2024, has already climbed to 94‑97 mph in the current campaign, delivering an elite ride of 19.8 inches per MLB average. The combination of a high arm angle, strong extension (6.8 ft), and the added velocity makes him a potential mid‑rotation starter down the road. These tools have kept the Mets from entertaining serious trade offers, even as other clubs look for assets ahead of the deadline.

What the Decision Signals for New York

Keeping Tong aligns with a rebuild philosophy that leans on homegrown talent, especially in a season where the club has struggled to find consistent wins. As the deadline looms, the Mets will likely focus on internal development rather than high‑profile trades, banking on the prospect’s long‑term potential. The organization’s confidence in Tong’s upside suggests they will avoid sacrificing him for immediate upgrades.