The New York Mets took their most important win of the 2025 season on Tuesday, when a two-run, eighth-inning home run by catcher Francisco Alvarez capped a dramatic comeback from a 6-1 deficit to give the Amazin’s a 9-7 win, vaulting them back into a playoff spot.
But on Wednesday the Mets will need to do it all over again, and they are pinning their hopes on right-handed rookie Jonah Tong who makes just the fifth start of his big league career — and undoubtedly the most important start of his life.
Before Tong took the mound with the Mets‘ season hanging in the balance — a season in which Mets owner Steve Cohen is shelling out more than $341 million, second most in MLB, for what he hoped would be a postseason-contending team — the team made a significant announcement that should reinforce the 22-year-old’s confidence after a somewhat rocky start to his MLB career.
Multiple Big Announcements About Tong
In fact, there was more than one announcement centering around Tong. In his first month at the Triple-A level, with the Syracuse Mets, Tong set what can only be a record for a single month, posting a 0.00 ERA.
Tong was with Syracuse only long enough to make two starts after his promotion from Double-A Binghamton. In 11 2/3 innings, he struck out 17 while allowing eight hits and three walks for a WHIP of 0.943.
In fact, in the 130 1/3 innings thrown by Tong over the three levels, the Ontario, Canada, native enters Wednesday’s game with an even 200 strikeouts on the season. Those are the sorts of stats that led to the second announcement regarding Tong prior to his start against the Cubs.
Named MiLB Pitcher of the Year
Baseball America named Tong its Minor League Pitcher of the Year. The Mets’ No. 4 overall prospect made it through Double-A and Triple-A with a 1.43 ERA, and his 179 Ks at the minor league level led all MiLB pitchers.
Perhaps not surprisingly, the Mets Double-A affiliate — the Binghamton Rumble Ponies — made yet another Tong announcement, revealing that the skyrocketing phenom was also named Eastern League Pitcher of the Year.
Finally, Baseball America — just hours before the Mets vs. Cubs game Wednesday at Wrigley Field, had one more announcement, naming the respected publications Minor League 2025 All-Stars, both the first and second teams. Tong was one of just six hurlers named to the first team.
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Still Figuring Out MLB Hitters
Unfortunately, Tong is still working on making the adjustment to Major League competition. In 16 2/3 innings across four starts before Wednesday, the rookie has struggled his way to a 5.94 ERA with a 2-2 won-loss record and 21 strikeouts while allowing 11 hits and seven walks for a WHIP of 1.08.
Tong will be making his first start at historic Wrigley Field as well as his first against the Cubs. His performance will come under the national television spotlight. The Mets vs. Cubs game will be aired live by ESPN with first pitch scheduled for 8:05 p.m. Eastern Time, 7:05 Central.
The Cubs will oppose Tong with veteran lefty Matthew Boyd, who in his first season in Chicago is pitching for his fifth team in 11 big league seasons.
After Tuesday’s victory, the Mets have won just eight of their last 20 games. The Cubs — who have clinched a playoff berth but are trying to hold off the San Diego Padres to keep the top Wild Card position — are losers of five straight.
Mets vs. Cubs: Jonah Tong Announcement Hits Before Rookie’s Crucial Start