Top 100 prospect list may have fans wishing the NY Mets traded someone else

The New York Mets' blockbuster trade for Freddy Peralta already appears to be yielding some positive results — he's been garnering rave reviews from teammates and coaches at spring camp — but the consequences are becoming more and more apparent by the day.

On FanGraphs' Top 100 prospects list for the 2026 season, Brandon Sproat ranked No. 37 overall, more than 20 spots ahead remaining Mets pitching prospect Jonah Tong (No. 58). Thanks to the presence of Nolan McLean (No. 3!), the team still has their top young arm in tow, but considering the debate that raged all offseason regarding the importance of Tong and Sproat, it's clear that at least one outlet believes the Milwaukee Brewers got the better of the Mets' pitching prospects.

Oh, and for what it's worth, Jett Williams came in at No. 75 overall. A steep price to pay for a rental pitcher indeed.

Were Mets right to trade Brandon Sproat instead of Jonah Tong for Freddy Peralta?

Of course, this discussion needs to be prefaced with the fact that the Brewers may not have given the Mets a choice on this matter, no matter what the reports say. They held all the cards with Peralta, and if they said the deal was Sproat or bust, than David Stearns had no choice but to capitulate.

But if we are to assume that New York had a say, then it's fair to wonder if they parted with the right pitcher. Like Peralta, Sproat has been the recipient of some early praise at Brewers camp. He's heading into a pitching factory in Milwaukee, one which routinely coaxes the best out of arms far less talented than his.

Meanwhile, Tong struggled severely in his cup of coffee in the majors last year. After embarassing minor-league hitters to the tune of a 1.43 ERA and 40.5% strikeout rate across 22 starts, the 22-year-old was ambushed by the best batters in the world. His first five starts with the Mets covered just 18 2/3 innings, resulting in a 7.71 ERA.

While those are legitimate reasons to be concerned, it's important not to fall victim to recency bias. Tong is still incredibly young, and he remains one of the best prospects in the business at racking up strikeouts. Whereas Sproat mostly got by on contact management, Tong relies on one of the most unique fastball shapes in the league. His potential is sky high, assuming he can refine his other offerings.

Even if he doesn't break camp with a suddenly deep rotation, Tong's outlook is as bright as Sproat's and then some. They'll be connected forever because of this trade and the Mets' ultimate decision to part with the latter, but it's too early to suggest a mistake was made.