WASHINGTON — Jonah Tong’s latest performance for the New York Mets concluded Saturday with a notable showing, as he recorded a career-high nine strikeouts while allowing one earned run over five innings in the Mets’ 7-1 victory against the Washington Nationals. This game marked Tong's second of four starts since his recall on September 7, during which he has allowed only one earned run.
“It’s just a cool way to end the year,” Tong stated following the game.
The 23-year-old rookie has had two stints with the Mets this season, achieving a 3.82 ERA in seven appearances. In contrast, last season, he posted a 7.71 ERA in five starts.
Tong is part of a group of homegrown starting pitchers that includes Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, and Zac Thornton, all of whom are positioned for potential roles in next year’s starting rotation.
Prior to Tong’s latest outing, manager Andy Green indicated that Tong might begin next season at Triple-A Syracuse. “I think we have been forthright with him in like, ‘What does an organization desperately need to win a World Series?’” Green said. “You need guys that are sixth and seventh starters that start the year in Triple-A that can come up and dominate. You don’t win a World Series with only five starters.”
Green added that the organization aims to expand its pool of starting pitchers, which may affect Tong’s position. “His job is to make it so obvious to us that he deserves to be here that we can’t make those type of decisions when he competes in spring training,” he noted.
The Mets also have Sean Manaea and Kodai Senga under contract for next season, while Tylor Megill is expected to return from Tommy John surgery. Senga, who spent much of the season in the bullpen, could be considered for a relief role next year.
“Long term, I am a huge believer in Jonah,” Green said. “The context doesn’t always align for the player and what they want at that given point in time. But he’s going to be huge for us going forward.”
Tong expressed a measured approach to the upcoming offseason, stating, “I’m not going to put pressure on myself for that. I’m just going to go out there and be myself. But I’m all involved for the challenge, and I know where I’m at. I know what I need to do, and I think that’s the beauty of this offseason.”
In the game, Ronny Mauricio led the Mets’ offense with two home runs (one from each side of the plate) and three RBIs, while A.J. Ewing contributed a three-run homer.
Tong's performance followed a previous start against the Philadelphia Phillies, where he allowed four earned runs over 4 ²/₃ innings, giving up five hits and four walks.
“I think he’s proving that he didn’t get many starts up here, but when you look at the full body of work up here, it was really good,” Green said. “Even the outing that got a little bit sideways last time, there was resilience to that outing, there was fight to it, and I think his stuff has looked really, really good.”