Mets celebrate the kids as rookies fuel pennant push

The Mets are counting on a trio of rookies to drive their late-season push, with pitcher Jonah Tong, right-hander Brandon Sproat and rookie Nolan McLean set to start in the next three days in the heat of a pennant race. Mets vice president of player development Andy Green said, 'You celebrate the kids,' reflecting pride in how quickly the three have arrived. Green spoke Wednesday at Citi Field before the Mets’ 7-4 loss to the Padres.

McLean has posted a 1.19 ERA over his first six starts and has emerged as a potential staff ace, after shifting from a two-way player in the 2023 draft out of Oklahoma State. Green explained that the decision to focus on pitching accelerated his ascent, noting that the energy he directed toward learning mound craft helped him reach the majors sooner, even if it meant delaying his development as a hitter. Green said, 'That quickened how quickly he arrived — he got here faster, and I don’t think you doubt him. Is it possible he could have found his way here as a hitter? I don’t think you doubt people who are wired like that. But the effort and energy he put into that was slowing his pitching development to an extent, and it takes a lot to be elite on the mound at this level.'

Tong, scheduled to start Thursday against the Padres, had a rough outing against the Rangers last Friday, allowing six earned runs and failing to escape the first inning. Green cited Tong's resiliency, recalling a Single-A outing last season where he did not escape the first inning before turning in a strong year. 'Then he bounced back and had an amazing year last year that catapulted him to this stage this year,' Green said. 'I think that is what you are looking for in young guys. Show me the tough moments, because it’s guaranteed they are going to show up at some point in time. You have got a young kid who has shown those moments of resilience and he can rely on that in moments like this and know he can get back on the mound and fill up the strike zone.'

Sproat is one of three rookie pitchers who have already made an impact for the Mets this season, underscoring the organization's patience and depth as it contends in the division.

Green's remarks underscore a broader philosophy in Queens: celebrate progress and rely on resilience as the Mets pursue a playoff berth. The next three days will test Tong, Sproat and McLean as they help push a club in the heat of a pennant race.