Could this Mets pitching prospect be promoted to Triple-A?

New York Mets minor leaguer Jonah Tong has been dominant in Double-A this season, leaving many wondering when he will move up.

May 15, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Mets logo on the sleeve of J.D. Martinez during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

New York Mets' pitching prospect Jonah Tong has been nearly untouchable in Double-A this season.

In 11 starts for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, the 21-year-old has a 1.99 ERA with 91 strikeouts to just 27 hits across 54.1 innings. Tong finished his most recent outing with four hits, one run, and eight Ks on 92 pitches (62 strikes). With his dominance, it won't be surprising if the right-hander forces his way to a Triple-A promotion soon.

Jonah Tong keeps twirling gems, lowering his ERA to 1.99 for Double-A @RumblePoniesBB 💎

5.1 IP | 4 H | 1 R | 2 BB | 8 K

The Top 100 prospect (@Mets) is up to 91 strikeouts in 54 1/3 innings this season. pic.twitter.com/LYbNCpZaVo

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) June 11, 2025

Typically, Double-A is where most high-end pitching prospects do the bulk of their development. Teams will look for extended dominance at this lower level and use Triple-A as the final refinement period, often a quick stop before a big league call-up.

So a move to Triple-A would be a massive statement about Tong's standing in the farm system and a big step in his career, but it's hard to argue that he doesn't deserve it. The former seventh-round draft pick has seven starts with at least eight strikeouts this season and earned Eastern League Pitcher of the Month honors for May.

Read More: New York Mets top prospect earns Minor League Pitcher of the Week

Early in the month, Tong hit his pitch count and was pulled with just one out remaining in what became a combined 7-inning perfect game. The righty dazzled with 13 strikeouts and 18 whiffs on 99 pitches.

All 13 of Jonah Tong's strikeouts from his brilliant performance today 🔥 pic.twitter.com/bqJjrgBxRk

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) May 10, 2025

The argument against promoting the young pitcher would be protecting his trade value. If the Mets want to include Tong as a piece in a deal at the trade deadline, it would be wise to keep him in Double-A, where he has been untouchable, instead of exposing him to potential challenges at the Triple-A level.

Read More: Mets’ top pitching prospect dominates in Double-A perfect game

Tong also has some issues with control, averaging 4.8 walks per 9 innings this season. But with Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas close to finishing their rehab assignments, it could be the perfect time to elevate the club's No. 2 pitching prospect to the next level of minor league play.