3 lesser-known Mets prospects making a name for themselves in 2024

Most New York Mets fans brushed up on their prospects in the offseason. Guys like Luisangel Acuna, Christian Scott, and Ryan Clifford were discussed plenty. Already well-known names from last year, fans were more than eager to expect the 2024 calendar year to be more about them than the major league squad.

The major league Mets have played better than some expected. Down on the farm, several highly-touted prospects have started slowly or suffered injuries. Fortunately, like there always seems to be, a couple of more obscure Mets prospects are picking up the slack. While very early, these three guys are making a name for themselves in 2024.

1) Jonah Tong

This might be the only name on this list you’re familiar with. Jonah Tong just graduated from St. Lucie. The 20-year-old Canadian appeared in 18.2 innings without surrendering a single earned run. The one run he did give up was unearned. That’s hardly the reason why he’s gaining attention.

Just 7 hits allowed and a walk rate of 2.4 per 9, Tong is keeping runners off the bases. He’s not doing so with great defense behind him. Tong is doing the one thing he has throughout his professional career: striking guys out.

Tong wrapped up his short stint with St. Lucie this season with a strikeout rate of 17.4 per 9. The 36 strikeouts came in only 4 appearances total working as a starter and reliever. It was a positive turn for him. Tong had a 6.00 ERA last season in 21 innings. His 16.3 strikeouts per 9 were hardly noticeable because he had an atrocious walk rate of 9.4 per 9.

Not even 21 yet, he can only buy a beer for himself in his hometown of Markham, Canada. The seventh round pick of the Mets in 2022 is rising fast. If he can keep his control steady and the strikeouts coming, he should end up among the best Mets prospects the club has.

He has already started well in Brooklyn with 5 more innings without allowing an earned run. And of course, he struck out 7.