Jonah Tong Latest Call-up In Mets' Youth Movement; Craig Kimbrel DFA'd

The New York Mets' youth movement continues, only this time it isn't for an MLB debut.

Right-handed starter Jonah Tong is being promoted from Triple-A Syracuse by the Mets on Friday. Right-handed reliever Craig Kimbrel, one of the top closers of his generation, was designated for assignment.

Tong had his MLB debut at the end of last year, making five starts with a 7.71 ERA, walking nine and striking out 22 in 18⅔ innings. But he was sent back to Triple-A to begin this season and has posted a 5.68 ERA in nine starts for Syracuse, with 24 walks and 55 strikeouts with nine homers allowed in 38 innings.

Tong is the fourth prospect to be promoted to the majors in the last two weeks, joining outfielders A.J. Ewing and Nick Morabito and left-handed starter Zach Thornton. Ewing is Grand Central Mets' No. 1 prospect, Tong is No. 2, Morabito No. 7 and Thornton No. 11.

For Kimbrel, this could mark the end of his career. The owner of 440 career saves, Kimbrel had 14 relief appearances for the Mets this year and has a 6.00 ERA in 15 innings, walking six and striking out 15. He spent 2025 with Atlanta and the Houston Astros.

Expected to contend for the NL East title, the Mets entered play Friday at 22-28, 12½ games out of first place.