The Mets next high-rising pitching prospect - An analysis of Jonah Tong

*This article is an expanded version of a thread on Twitter/X follow me there - https://twitter.com/isaacgroffman*

The Mets next high-rising pitching prospect.




An analysis of Jonah Tong.  

By Isaac Groffman


With the latest crop of young Mets Pitching prospects climbing MLB prospect rankings, it's time to talk about the next class of Mets pitchers who will begin showing up on top prospect lists this summer. Leading this class is 20 year old Jonah Tong. The 7th-round draft pick out of Ontario has gotten off to a roaring start striking out 21 batters over 8 innings in his first two starts of 2024. 


When watching Tong the first thing that stands out to me is his delivery. It is unique because he strides down the mound almost hiding the ball behind his back. Then he brings his arm way over the top (Video courtesy of Prospects Live on YouTube).  This over-the-top motion almost reminds me most of a much shorter Tyler Glasnow. Like Glasnow Tong also has a high spin fastball, thrown from a high release point it starts high in the zone and ends up even higher.






Tong's fastball is his best pitch it averages about 20” of IVB which means the pitch "rises" much more than the average MLB fastball. When he was drafted Tong's curveball was regarded as his best pitch as it approached 3,000 rpms it has great drop due to the high release point. However, as he has progressed through the mets it has became clear that his cutter is his best secondary pitch. As shown on this stuff+ chart from his most recent start from @TJStats on twitter. The pitch could also be classified as a gyro slider. 





However, as he has progressed through the Mets system it has become clear that his cutter is his best secondary pitch. As shown in this stuff+ chart from his most recent start courtesy of @TJStats. The pitch could also be classified as a gyro slider.  Currently not ranked in any top prospect lists expect Tong to fly up these lists throughout the summer. 

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