Mets' top pitching prospect dominates in Triple-A debut

Tong’s rapid rise through the Mets system this year has been a pleasant surprise for a player they selected in the seventh round out of high school back in 2022. Despite not being a top draft pick, his work ethic, unique pitching style, and electric stuff have propelled him faster than many expected.

His fastball consistently sits in the mid-to-upper 90s and touched 98 mph in his Triple-A debut, but it's his ability to pair that velocity with command and deception that makes him stand out. The sharp, late-breaking 12-6 curveball keeps hitters off balance, while his changeup gives him a reliable third pitch that neutralizes left-handed hitters.

Combined with his funky, deceptive delivery, Tong’s arsenal isn’t just overpowering — it’s unpredictable, which is a big reason he's quickly becoming one of the toughest arms to face in the minors.

The right-handed pitcher’s impressive Triple-A debut came at the same time fellow top pitching prospect Nolan McLean was making his major league debut. McLean pitched 5.1 scoreless innings and struck out eight batters to help the Mets secure a much-needed win.

It marked just the Mets’ third win in their last 17 games. They now hold a 1.5-game lead over the Cincinnati Reds for the final National League Wild Card spot and remain five games back of the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. With McLean already providing a much-needed spark at the big league level, it might not be long before the Mets consider giving Tong his shot as well.

Whether Tong makes his big league debut later this season or in 2026, it’s clear the Mets have a potential ace on their hands. Alongside Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat, and a soon-to-return Christian Scott from Tommy John surgery, Tong could be part of a new wave of homegrown pitching talent — one the Mets haven’t seen the likes of since 2015.