The New York Mets are in the thick of a playoff push, and team president David Stearns is leaving no stone unturned. Could that include calling up top pitching prospects Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat to bolster the team's pitching depth? Stearns himself admits it's something the Mets are “fooling not to consider,” even if it means utilizing them in bullpen roles.
Stearns Remains Open to All Options
While Stearns isn't ready to commit just yet, he's keeping all options on the table. "I’m not gonna rule anything out," he stated on The Post’s “The Show” podcast. He emphasized the need for consistent innings from the starting rotation, something the Mets have struggled with recently. The team is evaluating its rotation and considering which pitchers, including potential call-ups, could contribute.
The Mets have already seen success with a recent call-up, righty Nolan McLean, who has impressed in his first two big-league starts since being promoted from Triple-A Syracuse in August.
Jonah Tong: A Minor League Ace
Jonah Tong, 22, has been dominant in the minor leagues this season. In 22 starts across two levels, he's racked up an impressive 179 strikeouts and boasts a stellar 1.43 ERA in 113 2/3 innings. His performance has certainly caught the attention of the Mets organization.
Brandon Sproat: Adjusting to Relief
Brandon Sproat, 24, hasn't had quite the same success as Tong, posting a 4.50 ERA in 25 games at Triple-A. However, he recently made his first relief appearance, suggesting the Mets are exploring different roles for him.
When asked about the possibility of bringing up either or both pitchers, even for bullpen use, Stearns acknowledged it as a “very fair question.” The Mets are clearly looking for ways to maximize their pitching staff as they head into the final stretch of the season.
Will we see Tong and Sproat in Queens soon? Stay tuned!