Trending Now - Mets Promote Prospect Tong, Part Ways With Kimbrel
WHO:
MLB Trade Rumors - The New York Mets, Craig Kimbrel, Jonah Tong
MLB.com - Jonah Tong, Craig Kimbrel, Bo Bichette, David Peterson, Anthony DiComo
NY Post - Jonah Tong, Craig Kimbrel
WHAT:
ESPN - Mets manager Carlos Mendoza described the decision to part ways with Kimbrel as "Super tough" and noted that Kimbrel was "very professional" during their conversation about the move.
ESPN - Kimbrel's stint with the Mets ended after he appeared in 14 games, allowing 10 runs over 15 innings, including giving up a two-run home run to Jacob Young in a recent game.
MLB Trade Rumors - Kimbrel became the 10th major league team he has played for after signing a free agent deal in January.
MLB.com - Kimbrel had nine scoreless outings but allowed multiple runs in three of his five other appearances for the Mets.
MLB Trade Rumors - The Mets have recently called up A.J. Ewing, Nick Morabito, and Zach Thornton in addition to Jonah Tong as part of their youth movement.
MLB Trade Rumors - Kimbrel's contract was a minor league deal that would pay him $2.5MM if selected, but he was designated for assignment after allowing 10 earned runs in 15 innings.
MLB.com - Kimbrel's 6.00 ERA in 14 outings for the Mets did not add to his career total of 440 saves, which ranks fifth all-time.
MLB.com - The Mets have lost their most consistent starting pitcher, Clay Holmes, to injury due to a fractured fibula, which is expected to keep him out for a few months.
MLB Trade Rumors - Craig Kimbrel had a minor league deal with the Mets that would pay him $2.5MM if his contract was selected.
MLB.com - Jonah Tong is 22 years old and led the Minor Leagues in strikeouts last season.
MLB.com - Tong is 1-3 with a 5.68 ERA in nine starts for Syracuse this season.
MLB Trade Rumors - The Mets have recently let go of veterans Tommy Pham, Andy Ibáñez, and Austin Slater.
MLB.com - Clay Holmes fractured his fibula and is expected to be out for a few months.
MLB.com - The Mets may give Jonah Tong a turn this weekend in Miami to provide their other starters an extra day of rest.
MLB Trade Rumors - The Mets recalled right-hander Jonah Tong from Triple-A Syracuse and designated right-hander Craig Kimbrel for assignment.
MLB.com - Kimbrel had a 6.00 ERA in 14 outings for the Mets and did not add to his career total of 440 saves, which ranks fifth all-time.
MLB.com - Jonah Tong is the Mets' No. 2 prospect and No. 36 in baseball according to MLB Pipeline.
NY Post - The Mets are infusing youth into their roster by promoting prospects like Jonah Tong.
WHERE:
MLB Trade Rumors - The Mets are based in New York and recalled Tong from Triple-A Syracuse.
MLB.com - The Mets played a series opener in Miami.
WHEN:
MLB Trade Rumors - Kimbrel is 38 next week.
MLB.com - Jonah Tong entered the season tied for sixth in Minor League strikeouts, just five off the pace.
MLB.com - Tong had a 7.71 ERA in five starts for the Mets last fall.
WHY:
MLB Trade Rumors - The Mets are moving on from Kimbrel as part of a youth movement, having recently let go of other veterans.
MLB.com - The Mets designated Kimbrel for assignment due to his high ERA and performance issues.
HOW:
MLB.com - The Mets are considering giving Jonah Tong a turn this weekend in Miami to provide their other starters an extra day of rest.
MLB Trade Rumors - Kimbrel was designated for assignment after allowing 10 earned runs in 15 innings, resulting in a 6.00 ERA.
MLB.com - Tong's role with the Mets is unclear, but he could potentially slot in as a bulk pitcher after the Friday starter, Tobias Myers.
(UPDATED May 23, 2026 11:17 UTC)
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza described the decision to part ways with Kimbrel as "super tough," highlighting Kimbrel's professionalism during their conversation. Kimbrel's time with the Mets came to an end after he appeared in 14 games, allowing 10 runs over 15 innings, which included a two-run home run given up to Jacob Young in a recent matchup. This marked Kimbrel's tenure with the Mets as the 10th major league team he has played for since signing a free agent deal in January.
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(UPDATED May 23, 2026 06:01 UTC)
The Mets are making some significant changes as they call up A.J. Ewing, Nick Morabito, Zach Thornton, and Jonah Tong as part of their youth movement. Unfortunately, they have also lost their most consistent starting pitcher, Clay Holmes, to a fractured fibula, which is expected to sideline him for a few months. In light of these developments, the Mets are considering giving Jonah Tong a turn this weekend in Miami to help provide their other starters with an extra day of rest.
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(UPDATED May 23, 2026 01:33 UTC)
In a notable move, the Mets have signed Craig Kimbrel to a minor league deal that could pay him $2.5 million if his contract is selected. Meanwhile, 22-year-old Jonah Tong, who led the Minor Leagues in strikeouts last season, has struggled this year with a record of one win and three losses, along with a 5.68 ERA in nine starts for Syracuse. With the Mets recently parting ways with veterans Tommy Pham, Andy Ibáñez, and Austin Slater, they may give Tong a chance to pitch this weekend in Miami to help their other starters get some much-needed rest.
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(UPDATED May 22, 2026 23:19 UTC)
The New York Mets have recalled right-hander Jonah Tong from Triple-A Syracuse and designated Craig Kimbrel for assignment as part of their youth movement. Kimbrel, who is set to turn 38 next week, struggled with a 6.00 ERA in 14 outings for the Mets and did not add to his career total of 440 saves, which ranks fifth all-time. As the Mets look to infuse youth into their roster, Tong, who is the team's No. 2 prospect and No. 36 in baseball according to MLB Pipeline, may take on a role as a bulk pitcher following the Friday starter, Tobias Myers.