Full Breakdown
Mets Promote Jonah Tong, Designate Craig Kimbrel
5/23/2026, 12:50:36 AM
Core Move: Recall and DFA
On Friday, the New York Mets recalled right-hander Jonah Tong from Triple-A Syracuse and designated veteran closer Craig Kimbrel for assignment. The roster change created a spot for Tong ahead of the weekend series against the Miami Marlins and coincided with a 16-game stretch in which the club has had no off-day.
Background: Youth Push and Injury Context
The Mets have been integrating several prospects—A.J. Ewing, Nick Morabito, Carson Benge, Zach Thornton—into the major-league roster. Injuries to key starters (Clay Holmes on the 60-day IL with a fractured fibula and Kodai Senga on a 15-day IL) have strained the rotation. The organization’s “youth movement” seeks to fill innings while the team sits at 22-28, fourth in the NL East, 12.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves.
Key Players
- Jonah Tong – 22-year-old Canadian right-hander, drafted in the seventh round of the 2022 draft. Ranked No. 2 overall prospect by MLB Pipeline and No. 44 by Baseball America.
- Craig Kimbrel – 37-year-old former closer with 440 career saves (fifth all-time). Signed a minor-league deal with the Mets in January 2026.
- Carlos Mendoza – Mets manager, overseeing the roster adjustment.
- Tobias Myers – Long-relief starter slated to pitch the series opener.
Performance Data
*Tong* – In 2025 MLB action he posted a 7.71 ERA, 2-3 record, 1.768 WHIP and 22 strikeouts over 18.2 IP. In 2026 at Triple-A Syracuse he logged nine starts, a 5.68 ERA (one source 5.58), 1-3 record, 55 strikeouts in 38 IP, and a WHIP of 1.37 (some reports 1.47). His strikeout rate in Triple-A was 32.9 %.
*Kimbrel* – Appeared in 14-15 games for New York, posting a 6.00 ERA, 0-2 record, 1.47 WHIP across 15 IP. Career totals include 440 saves and a 2.65 ERA.
Official Statements
The Mets announced the roster moves, noting that Tong’s recall addresses rotation depth amid injuries and a congested schedule. Manager Mendoza indicated the decision keeps Tong “in play” as the club evaluates his role, whether as a starter or bulk-relief option.
Criticism and Concerns
Analysts have highlighted Tong’s inconsistency: a high walk rate (?14 % in the International League), two starts accounting for half of his earned runs, and command issues with newly added cutter and slider. Kimbrel’s 2026 performance—6.00 ERA and reduced strikeout rate—has been described as below his career norms, prompting the DFA.
Conflicting Reports
Sources differ on Tong’s Triple-A ERA (5.68 vs. 5.58) and WHIP (1.37 vs. 1.47). Kimbrel’s appearance count is listed as 14 in some reports and 15 in others, with innings pitched reported as 14.0 or 15.0. These discrepancies are noted without selection of a definitive figure.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have made the following roster moves,” said the Mets. “RHP Jonah Tong has been recalled from Triple-A Syracuse. RHP Craig Kimbrel has been designated for assignment.” — New York Mets
- “We’re keeping him in play.” — Carlos Mendoza, Mets manager
- “no denying that he’s been inconsistent,” — Carlos Mendoza, Mets manager
- “But we also like how he bounces back.” — Carlos Mendoza, Mets manager
Outlook
The Mets will begin the three-game series at LoanDepot Park on Friday, with Tobias Myers starting and Tong positioned for possible bulk relief or a later start. Tong’s performance will influence whether he secures a regular rotation spot or returns to Triple-A as the club continues to manage injuries and a demanding schedule.
