New York Mets Minor-League Pitchers of the Month: May 2026

It's no secret that the New York Mets' 2026 season, thus far, has been defined by a lack of offense. Meanwhile, the pitching staff has done all it can to help the team tread water. 

Jonah Tong got the opportunity to assist with that mission over the last few weeks. Unfortunately, he provided mixed results and was shuttled back to Syracuse earlier this week. There are only two other arms in the Top 10 of our Prospect Rankings here at Grand Central Mets, both of whom were solid, if unspectacular, during May. A quick dive into the Mets' system's depths, though, gives a glimpse of what could be coming down the pipe.

Monthly stats referenced are from milb.com at the player's listed level. Pitchers eligible for inclusion on this list must have pitched at least 10 innings. Prospect ranks are from Grand Central Mets.

Ranking Mets' Best MiLB Pitchers in May

3. Jonathan Pintaro - AAA (Syracuse, No. 20 Prospect)

Pintaro, who made his MLB debut in June 2025, returned to the MLB roster last month and produced as well as anyone could have hoped. In 3 2/3 innings for the big-league club, he didn't allow a hit, struck out three batters and walked only one.

Prior to his promotion, the 28-year-old right-hander was carving up opponents for Triple-A Syracuse. A home run allowed in his first game back with Syracuse sent him tumbling to a still strong 3.38 ERA, and his WHIP (0.84), BAA (.111) and K/9 (14.34) were all excellent. It wouldn't be shocking to see him back in Queens sooner than later.

2. Hunter Hodges - High-A (Brooklyn)

The Mets signed Hodges, 23, as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 MLB Draft. The TCU product sparkled as a reliever his final year in college, posting a 1.86 ERA, 33 strikeouts and 13 walks in 19 1/3 innings. He moved from St. Lucie to Brooklyn after 29 appearances in 2025 and absolutely dominated the South Atlantic League this May.

Hodges' biggest issue has been command. His BB/9 stood at 6.1 with the Horned Frogs in 2024 and at 7.1 across the minors in 2025. Last month, though, he pulled it down to 3.1. If this proves not to be an aberration, Hodges will be primed to take another step through the organization and could appear on the MLB radar.

1. Channing Austin - High-A (Brooklyn)

Austin, like Hodges, was an undrafted free agent in 2024. The former USC Trojan was unlike Hodges, though, in that his final collegiate season lacked flair. His ERA before signing with the Mets was 6.28, with 17 strikeouts and 15 walks in 14 1/3 innings. It's hard to fathom those numbers came from the same person who made mincemeat of opposing hitters last month.

Austin, a Brooklyn native, had three starts with 5-plus innings pitched and no earned runs in May. The lone start in which he didn't reach either threshold, he struck out 10 in 4 1/3 innings. His monthly numbers? A patently absurd 0.83 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, .133 BAA and 12.46 SO/9. 

The 24-year-old's incredible stretch earned him a promotion to Double-A Binghamton on May 26. His final start for his hometown minor league team saw him go 6 2/3 innings with one hit, one walk and eight strikeouts. Austin is quickly gaining steam and is set to become a big name in national circles once he starts treating the Eastern League the same way he treated High-A.

Honorable Mentions: Douglas Orellana (AA-Binghamton), Nicolas Carreno (A-St. Lucie)

Interested in learning more about the New York Mets' top prospects? Check out our comprehensive top prospects list that includes up-to-date stats, articles and videos about every prospect, scouting reports, and more!