Hope surged as five September 2025 callups arrived. The timing matters because contenders needed immediate upgrades in both rotation depth and lineup power with pennant races tightening. One rookie already delivered a historic debut (an 11-strikeout outing), while others bring high-end stuff or long-awaited power to teams chasing October. Which of these five will actually tilt the playoff map – and which are just auditioning?
Why these 5 September 2025 callups matter for playoff pushes right now
- Sal Stewart was called up on Sept 1, 2025; impact: adds power to the Reds lineup.
- Brandon Sproat had his contract selected on Sept 4, 2025; impact: rotation depth for the Mets.
- Connelly Early was promoted and then struck out 11 in his MLB debut; immediate results.
- Jonah Tong was called up late August and already changed the Mets’ rotation outlook.
- Nolan McLean gave the Mets length earlier in the month; teams still ride his success.
The 5 callups redefining rotations and lineups this September
1 – Jonah Tong’s debut that forced clubs to rethink rotations
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Jonah Tong earned his call earlier this stretch and made a quick impression with high strikeout totals in the minors before joining the Mets. He’s a lanky starter with a deceptive arm angle and a mid-90s fastball that shortens innings. If you follow pitching prospect trends, Tong is one to monitor for October roster math.
2 – Sal Stewart: a power bat Cincinnati needed now
Stewart arrived from Triple-A on Sept 1, 2025 and recorded his first Major League hit in his debut, underlining why the Reds promoted him. He hit 20 homers in the minors this year and posted a 1.023 OPS in Triple-A, numbers that solved Cincinnati’s power shortage. If you root for hitters, Stewart’s swing is worth watching every day.
3 – Connelly Early’s eye-popping debut signals real bullpen/rotation upside
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Called up to Boston, Connelly Early fanned 11 batters in five shutout innings in his first big-league start, tying a franchise mark for debut strikeouts. That performance immediately upgraded Boston’s long-term left-handed depth and creates instant trade-off questions for the front office. Want a fast thrill? That outing delivered it.
4 – Brandon Sproat’s arrival completes a Mets pitching wave
The Mets selected Brandon Sproat’s contract on Sept 4, 2025, joining Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong as homegrown rotation reinforcements. Sproat’s heater sits in the high 90s and he brings a multi-pitch arsenal that could absorb innings down the stretch. Fans who prize strikeouts should pay attention; the Mets’ rotation suddenly looks younger and hungrier.
5 – Nolan McLean’s earlier call still shapes New York’s September
Nolan McLean provided length and early wins when called earlier this month, and teams have leaned on his starts while the regulars struggled. His quick ascent matters because one breakout arm can turn a tight division race into a momentum swing. If you like breakout narratives, McLean is the quiet one changing the story.
The key figures that show which callups matter most in September 2025
| KPI | Value + Unit | Change/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Players called up | 5 | Added immediate big-league depth |
| Debut dates range | Aug 29-Sept 4, 2025 | Quick inflow across one week |
| Highest single-game Ks | 11 | Tied a Red Sox debut franchise record |
How will these 5 callups reshape playoff odds in October 2025?
Expect mixed outcomes: one or two of these players could be X-factor contributors, while others will still be auditioning for next year. The Mets’ pitching depth (including Sproat, Tong, McLean) could directly change rotation reliability, and the Reds’ Sal Stewart offers tangible power upside. Will managers gamble on rookies in October? Which callup would you bet on to matter most?
Sources
- https://www.mlb.com/news/sal-stewart-called-up-to-reds
- https://www.mlb.com/mets/news/brandon-sproat-mets-call-up-prospect
- https://www.mlb.com/news/connelly-early-red-sox-call-up-mlb-debut
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.