RADIO
Zac Thornton Remains a High-End Starting Pitcher Streamer
New York Mets starting pitcher Zac Thornton put together another solid outing in his team's 3-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday, allowing one earned run while striking out four across six innings of work. The 24-year-old is in the midst of an impressive rookie season, as he's recorded a 3-4 record with a 2.88 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 40 strikeouts across 56 1/3 innings (10 starts). Thornton is averaging just 91.9 miles per hour on his fastball and has posted just a 17.9% strikeout rate, limiting his high-end fantasy upside. Still, the crafty lefty limits free passes (6.3% walk rate), and his ability to pitch to contact has allowed him to work deep into games. He's allowed three earned runs or fewer in nine out of his 10 appearances and has already logged six quality starts. As a matchup-dependent streamer, Thornton offers clear appeal on the waiver wire for deep-league fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jonah Tong Finally Making Push for Return to Majors
New York Mets pitching prospect Jonah Tong had another solid outing in his latest start, tossing 5 2/3 innings of scoreless ball, yielding three hits and two walks while striking out three. The Mets' fifth-ranked prospect owns a 1.26 ERA and 1.26 WHIP over his last three starts as he attempts to make a case for a return to the majors. Last year, the right-hander led all minor leaguers with 179 strikeouts, and his 29.9 percent K-BB% was the highest among pitchers with at least 100 innings pitched, but he has not seen the same success in 2026, with a lower strikeout rate and a higher walk rate, leading to an underwhelming 13.8 percent K-BB% in 100 IP at Triple-A this season. The 6-foot-1 hurler has also not been very effective in his two stints in the majors between last year and this year, but perhaps this recent three-game stretch is a sign of maturation and development. Still, even though the 23-year-old could find his way back to New York before the end of the season, he doesn't warrant stashing in most fantasy leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Jonah Tong Worth a Stash With Three Straight Good Outings at Triple-A
New York Mets pitching prospect Jonah Tong is coming off his third straight solid start in a row at Triple-A Syracuse. He's given up one run or less in his past three outings at Triple-A and on Saturday night he pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings with three hits, two walks, and three strikeouts on his way to picking up the victory. He lowered his ERA this month to 3.26 and his overall minor-league ERA to 4.86. After a good month of July, Tong has had a nice month of August at Triple-A after making a big-league appearance at the end of May and early June. Tong appeared three times out of the bullpen for the Mets in his big-league stint, pitching 10 innings and giving up four earned runs. Tong looks like he could get back to New York the way he is pitching now in the minors. He's a decent bet to get a few starts this season and has nice upside for fantasy managers.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Kodai Senga is Picking up Steam After Earning Fourth Save
New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga is attempting to reinvent himself as a relief pitcher. Senga has been working as a closer lately and has pitched extremely well in that role. During August, Senga has only given up one earned run while recording four saves in six appearances. The expectation is that Senga will continue being the closer until Devin Williams (shoulder) returns, which is likely at some point in September. Fantasy managers seeking help in the relief pitcher department should consider adding Senga while he's still the closer. Williams figures to take over as the closer once he's healthy, but it's unclear when that'll be right now.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Ryan Clifford Placed on Development List at Triple-A
New York Mets first base/outfield prospect Ryan Clifford was placed on the Development List on Wednesday amid a futile stretch of offense. Since returning from the injured list on August 9, the Mets' eighth-ranked prospect has been hitless in 22 consecutive at-bats over a six-game stretch with a 56.0 percent strikeout rate during that time. The struggles preceded the injured list stint, though, as he's also just 5-for-70 (.071) over his last 19 contests, which has pushed his season-long slash line to .175/.267/.344. When he connects, the ball goes a long way, with the 6-foot-3 slugger tallying 16 home runs in 104 games, but with one of the worst strikeout rates at Triple-A (38.2 percent) that culminated in a five-strikeout performance this past Sunday, the organization will now allow him to stay on the minor league roster while he works on mechanics and swing decisions outside of game action. Amid his struggles, chances of an MLB debut in 2026 were already fading, but this likely seals it, and fantasy managers need not consider the 23-year-old a stash option this year.
Source: SNY
Source: SNY
Jack Wenninger Looking Like Potential Late-Season Addition
New York Mets pitching prospect Jack Wenninger had a nice start in his last outing for Triple-A Syracuse, allowing two earned runs in five innings with two hits allowed and four walks to go with eight strikeouts. It's the latest effort in a nice season for Wenninger at Triple-A Syracuse, where he has gone 4-7 with a 4.79 ERA and 1.43 WHIP. In 18 starts and 21 appearances, Wenninger has 98 strikeouts in 96 1/3 innings pitched. The right-hander is the No. 9 prospect for the Mets. The 24-year-old features a 55-grade fastball with a 60-grade splitter. Wenninger is looking like a solid prospect but might be better off on fantasy rosters for next season. He has major-league stuff with good major-league pitches, so Wenninger is worth monitoring should the Mets decide to call him up.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Jorge Polanco to Have Season-Ending Ankle Surgery
New York Mets interim manager Andy Green said that infielder Jorge Polanco (ankle) will have season-ending surgery on his ankle after the team placed him on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with left-ankle bursitis, according to Steve Gelbs of SNY. Polanco has been dealing with ankle bursitis basically all year and tried to play through it in his first year in Queens. The 33-year-old Dominican switch-hitter is just another one of the many disappointments for the Mets this year. In his first season with the team, Polanco ended up playing in only 37 games (145 plate appearances) while going 20-for-135 (.148) with two home runs, six RBI, seven runs scored, nine walks, and 36 strikeouts. He also dealt with Achilles issues early in the season. Polanco is under contract for one more year with the Mets in 2027 and will be owed $23 million. He can obviously be dropped in any redraft leagues where he was still being rostered.
Source: SNY - Steve Gelbs
Source: SNY - Steve Gelbs
Kodai Senga Establishing Himself as a Priority Saves Source
New York Mets right-hander Kodai Senga got off to an awful start to the 2026 season, pitching to a 9.00 ERA across 20 innings (five starts) through the end of April before being placed on the injured list with a back issue. However, the Mets transitioned Senga into a high-leverage bullpen role at the start of August, and the 33-year-old has thrived. Across his last five outings, Senga has allowed just one hit and zero earned runs while recording seven strikeouts and three saves. With Mets closer Devin Williams (shoulder) currently on the 15-day injured list with a shoulder strain, Senga has emerged as the team's preferred ninth-inning option. The veteran right-hander always could miss bats, and working in short stints should allow him to stay healthier. In fantasy leagues where he's available, Senga profiles as a priority saves target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jonah Tong Potentially Turning Corner, Still a Risky Stash Option
New York Mets pitching prospect Jonah Tong has strung together a pair of back-to-back solid outings for Triple-A Syracuse, yielding a total of two earned runs on seven hits and six walks while striking out 12 batters in 8 2/3 innings pitched. The Mets' top pitching prospect has had an underwhelming season overall, pitching to a 5.15 ERA (6.10 FIP), 1.47 WHIP, and a 14.2 percent K-BB% in 21 starts (94 1/3 IP). The right-hander made three appearances for the Mets earlier this year out of the bullpen, but was mostly ineffective with a 3.60 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, and a 7:7 BB:K in 10 IP. If these last two starts are the beginning of a trend in the right direction, then the 6-foot-1 hurler could find himself back in Queens before the year is out. There is plenty of strikeout potential, but until he shows better control and effectiveness in upcoming starts, the 23-year-old is merely a speculative stash option in deeper leagues in hopes he can help out as the fantasy playoffs approach.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Kodai Senga Has Become a Saves Target
New York Mets relief pitcher Kodai Senga earned his second save in five days Friday, tossing a scoreless ninth in a 4-1 win over Washington. He allowed one hit and struck out one, and the usage was notable after Daniel Duarte handled the eighth. Senga also converted a save Monday in Atlanta and has now put together four straight scoreless relief appearances. His season numbers are still rough at a 7.95 ERA and 1.68 WHIP, so there is obvious risk attached. But Devin Williams (shoulder) is on the 15-day injured list and isn't expected back until September, leaving save chances up for grabs. Senga has gotten two of them already, and Friday's ninth-inning assignment only adds to the intrigue. Yahoo still has him rostered in just 16% of leagues. Managers chasing saves in deeper formats should have him on the radar while the Mets sort out the back end.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Juan Soto Vows to Return This Year
New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (calf) made a vow that he will return to the Mets this season at some point. He doesn't have a clear timeline for his return after being diagnosed with a strained left calf at the end of July. Since then, he has made his way back onto the field and, as recently as Friday, was seen doing light on-field workouts and stretches, as well as some wind sprints. Still, while he has a ways to go before returning, he admits that he simply wants to get back on the field and help contribute to the on-field success the Mets have been enjoying as of late. Whether or not that happens remains to be seen, but the 27-year-old All-Star is looking to add to his totals of 21 home runs and seven stolen bases before the season comes to an end. Given his elite fantasy upside and the promising nature of this developing news, he is worth stashing in the hopes that he can return and help fantasy baseball managers down the stretch.
Source: Bill Ladson - MLB.com
Source: Bill Ladson - MLB.com
Jonah Tong Hopes Improved Results Lead to Spot in Mets' Rotation
New York Mets pitching prospect Jonah Tong tossed four innings of one-run ball in his last start for Triple-A Syracuse but got a no-decision after walking four batters and giving up four hits and striking out six. Other than a start before his most recent one when he gave up five earned runs, Tong has actually been quite good for Syracuse and could be looked at to make another appearance for the big-league club before the season ends. For the Mets this season, Tong pitched three relief appearances and recorded a 1-1 record after allowing four earned runs in 10 innings pitched. Tong is the No. 5 prospect for the Mets and boasts a 60-grade fastball-changeup combination. The right-hander has pitched in a starting role at Syracuse this year and is trying to get back into the Mets' rotation before the end of the season.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Ryan Clifford's Dismal 2026 Continues in August
New York Mets first base/outfield prospect Ryan Clifford has gone ice cold at the plate over the last month, going 5-for-55 (.091) over his last 15 games. The Mets' eighth-ranked prospect has had a forgettable season overall, but the recent downturn has pushed his slash line to .182/.275/.358 with a sky-high 37.3 percent strikeout rate that ranks the worst at Triple-A among qualified hitters. On the bright side, after a 29-home run campaign in 2025, the 6-foot-3 slugger has still been able to produce 16 long balls in 100 games for Syracuse in 2026, but it may do little for his chances to make an MLB debut this year. The 23-year-old looks like he needs more seasoning at Triple-A before making the jump, and fantasy managers in redraft leagues can safely leave him on the waiver wire for now.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Jack Wenninger Struggling, 2026 Debut in Jeopardy
New York Mets pitching prospect Jack Wenninger's chances of making a 2026 debut are fading fast after the right-hander yielded six earned runs in back-to-back starts, allowing three home runs in one of those contests and conceding seven walks, one hit-by-pitch, and three wild pitches over 8 2/3 innings pitched (11 strikeouts) in all. The right-hander started the year strong, posting a 1.08 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and a 14.5 percent K-BB% over his first seven starts, but has recorded a 6.36 ERA, 1.64 WHIP, and a 6.4 percent K-BB% over his last 10 appearances. The Mets' ninth-ranked prospect will get a chance to right the ship in his next start on Wednesday for Syracuse, but as far as fantasy is concerned, the 24-year-old is off the stash radar in redraft leagues until further notice.
Source: Milb.com
Source: Milb.com
Jefferson Rojas Making Good First Impression With New Club
Recently acquired New York Mets infield prospect Jefferson Rojas cranked his first home run on Tuesday as a member of his new organization, as part of a three-hit night for Binghamton. It was the second three-hit performance in his last three games, and the Mets' newly-anointed top-ranked prospect is now slashing .272/.340/.470 with 16 home runs and 18 steals in 97 games at Double-A this season. The 5-foot-11 Dominican came over in a trade with the Cubs, and looks like a candidate for some time at Triple-A before the season is out, although an MLB debut in 2026 isn't likely. The right-handed hitter offers a little bit of power and speed to go along with low strikeout rates during his time in the minors (16.2 percent), so he could be an intriguing fantasy option in 2027, and with the ability to play shortstop, second base, or third base, there are multiple pathways to the majors.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
