The New York Mets – and especially manager Carlos Mendoza – received a significant boost ahead of spring training after top pitching prospect Jonah Tong made a key decision that could shape the team’s 2026 MLB season.
According to a report from Sportsnet, Tong has opted not to pitch for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic, choosing instead to focus fully on spring training with the goal of earning a spot in the Mets’ starting rotation.
The move is seen internally as a calculated gamble, but one that could pay off quickly.
Tong, a native of Ontario, enjoyed a rapid rise through the Mets’ system during the 2025 season. The 22-year-old opened the year with the Double-A Binghamton Rumble Ponies, dominated at the minor-league level, and earned a promotion to the majors by late August.
He made his MLB debut on August 26 against the Miami Marlins, delivering a solid performance: five innings pitched, four runs allowed (one earned), six strikeouts, and no walks in a 19-9 Mets victory.
While flashes of his potential were evident, Tong’s inexperience showed in subsequent outings. He struggled against the Cincinnati Reds and endured his toughest start versus the Texas Rangers, ultimately finishing his first big-league stint with a 2-3 record, 7.71 ERA, and 22 strikeouts.
Despite the inflated numbers, Mets evaluators remain encouraged by his raw stuff, poise, and upside – which makes his decision to skip the World Baseball Classic all the more meaningful.
By prioritizing spring training, Jonah Tong is betting on himself and positioning himself for a serious role in the Mets’ rotation. Whether that gamble pays off could become one of the defining storylines of New York’s push toward a stronger 2026 campaign.
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