​​Mets prospect Jonah Tong shines with 24 strikeouts in two stellar starts

New York Mets pitching prospect Jonah Tong could not be more ready for promotion, with the jaw-dropping outing. Tong was almost perfect on May 10, retiring the first 20 batters he faced in the first of his two perfect innings and racking up a total of 6.2 perfect innings with 13 strikeouts before hitting his pitch count.

Fast forward to June 4, against the Somerset Patriots, the 21-year-old righty was once again untouchable, going 5 no-hit innings, 11 strikeouts, and 3 walkings. The repeatability of his bat-missing is quickly becoming one of the highest-profile narratives within the Mets' farm system.

Dominant stretch elevates Jonah Tong's prospect status

Tong's recent stretch isn't just some hot streak, it's historic. He has given up no runs, just three hits over his last three starts, totaling just 19 innings, and 40 strikeouts.

Which is an insane 18.9 K/9 rate, one typically found in video games rather than in professional baseball. The season line is a 2.02 ERA with a .162 average against him.Tong is currently rated as the Mets' No. 6 overall prospect and as their No. 3 pitching prospect by MLB Pipeline, and he has been known for his electric stuff and funky mechanics. His low-to-mid-90s fastball gets a little extra walk-and-talk low spin and Tim Lincecum-like delivery, while his whippy, deceptive motion keeps hitters off balance.

He complements that heater with a tight slider and an improving changeup, which provides him with a genuine 3-pitch arsenal with a history of making hitters look silly at all levels.

A promising future is ahead for Jonah Tong

Tong was taken in the 7th round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of high school in Ontario, Canada. His development was hampered early by injuries and a cautious approach to how to use him, but 2025 should be his coming-out party. Most importantly, his command has ticked up, his strikeout numbers are thread-the-needle elite, and he's wheeling with health.If kept up, Tong could find himself moving up the fastest track in the system. A promotion to Triple-A Syracuse is likely next for Vientos, but some in the Mets organization think calling him up to the big leagues at some point late in the season shouldn't be ruled out, too, if he keeps carving up bats like this.Also Read: What Francisco Alvarez's clutch hit meant for New York Mets' momentum against Los Angeles DodgersFor now, Jonah Tong is becoming a must-watch baseball player in Binghamton, and the buzz around his name is only getting louder.