Chang Yutaka, who hit 20 home runs in the MLB, was selected by Fubon as the first overall pick in the first round, while former Seibu player Wu Nianting joined Taiwan Steel as the first pick in the second round.
The return of the six-team system after 16 years and the excitement of the long-awaited Taipei Dome have led the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) to achieve its highest attendance this season. In this article, we will highlight the much-discussed draft meeting and topics leading up to the Premier 12. (Information as of July 31st)
The CPBL draft conference is a completely waiver-based system, requiring players with professional experience overseas to participate. Last December, a lottery determined that the Taiwan Steel Hawks, a new team with no rankings the year prior to the draft, would select second. The Fubon Guardians, who finished last that year, secured the right to choose first in the first round. Meanwhile, 31-year-old infielder Wu Nianting, who left Seibu unexpectedly in December of last year, officially declared her participation in the CPBL draft conference on May 27th. At that time, Wu Nianting from Fubon was considered the likely first selection.
However, on June 18th, Chang, a development infielder who had been playing with the Rays’ Triple-A affiliate this season, announced his intention to enter the draft. The 28-year-old Chang is a versatile player who can also play shortstop, and although he was not a regular in the majors, his career statistics—235 games played, 121 hits, and 20 home runs over five seasons—set a record for Taiwanese players. During the draft meeting on June 28th, Fubon chose Chang as their first pick, while Taiwan Steel selected Wu Nianting as their first pick.
In the second round, Fubon drafted former Orix and Seibu pitcher Zhang Yi. The 30-year-old, who was released by Seibu last offseason, joined Taiko as a trainee after participating in a joint tryout with 12 NPB teams. He gained recognition during the Asia Winter League and has continued to play in the second team this season.
One major difference between the CPBL and NPB is that the CPBL draft occurs at the end of June or early July, allowing selected players to play immediately after signing a contract. Taiko signed a contract with Wu Nianting on June 29, the day after the draft. The contract is for three and a half years, totaling NT$36 million (approximately JPY 170 million), and her uniform number is “67,” which was her father’s number when he first managed in professional baseball.
Wu Nianting, Wang Po-Jung, and Steven Moya create a “former NPB cleanup team”
Fans were amazed by the substantial contract between Fubon and Zhang Development. During a press conference on July 11, the details revealed a total of 92.5 million yuan (434.7 million yen) for three and a half years. His average monthly salary is 2.2 million yuan (10.3 million yen), marking the highest in CPBL history, almost double the 1.13 million yuan paid to Jiang Shaoqing (Fubon), the league’s previous highest-paid player. Additionally, on July 13, Fubon signed Zhang Yi for a total of 13.14 million yuan (about 61.4 million yen) for two and a half years. His uniform number is “19,” which he wore during the 2019 Premier12, where he was named to the Best Nine of the tournament. Zhang Yi expressed gratitude for receiving the number from young infielder Lin Yuegu, humorously adding, “I won’t be getting a Porsche like Shohei Ohtani, though.”
Taigang registered Wu Nianting as a regular player on June 30th. On July 1st, during the final game of the first half of the season, she came on as a pinch hitter against Fubon. In her first game after about two months, she hit a line drive to right field, marking her first hit in the CPBL. Since the second half of the season began on July 5th, she has primarily played as a starter at third or second base in the fifth batting position and is often paired with former NPB cleanup hitters Wang Po-Jung and Steven Moya. As of July 31st, she has played in 16 games, with a batting average of .281. However, she has only recorded one extra-base hit, a double. On defense, she has committed three errors in eight games at second base, indicating that she is still in an adjustment period.
The much-anticipated Zhang made his debut as the No. 4 hitter and designated hitter in the opening game of the second half of the season against Uni-President on July 12th. A season-high crowd of 10,522 fans filled Xinzhuang Stadium to witness the debut of “Taiwan’s Strongest Batter.” He was hitless until his third at-bat but hit a double down the left field line in his fourth at-bat. He hit his first CPBL home run against Chinatrust Brothers on July 16th, a second in the opposite direction against Wei Chuan on the 23rd, and a third home run, which was easily recognizable, into the left field stands against Tai Steel on the 28th. So far, he has mainly batted fourth, with a .290 batting average, three home runs, and an OPS of 1.055 in nine games.
Zhang Yi made his CPBL debut on July 14th in the seventh inning against Uni-President while leading by one run. He allowed three hits that tied the game, but his team rebounded, and he was credited as the winning pitcher. He surrendered runs in three consecutive games, against Chinatrust Brothers on the 17th and Tai Steel on the 27th, but retired all three batters he faced in the Tai Steel game on the 28th. Reports indicate he would like to become a starter, so it will be interesting to see how he is utilized moving forward.
(“Pacific League Insight” by Komada Hideaki)
(Article provided by:Pacific League Insight)
Exciting Developments in the CPBL: A Comprehensive Review of the Latest Draft and New Signings
Chang Yutaka: A Power Hitter Joins Fubon
Chang Yutaka, a versatile infielder and a standout in Major League Baseball (MLB), made headlines by hitting 20 home runs during his five-season career. His impressive statistics and experience prompted the Fubon Guardians to select him as the first overall pick in the recent Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) draft.
Returning to the six-team system for the first time in 16 years has reignited interest in the CPBL, with the highly anticipated opening of the Taipei Dome adding to the excitement. The league has recorded its highest attendance ever this season, reflecting the increasing popularity of baseball in Taiwan.
The CPBL Draft: Key Highlights
This year, the CPBL draft was held under a completely waiver-based system, allowing even players with professional overseas experience to participate. The Taiwan Steel Hawks, a new team without any prior rankings, surprised many by coming in second in the draft order after winning a lottery. The Fubon Guardians, finishing last in the previous season, earned the coveted first pick as they aimed to bolster their roster.
Wu Nianting, a former player for Seibu, was expected to be Fubon’s first selection after announcing her participation in the draft. However, the scenario changed dramatically when Chang declared his intent to join the draft in June.
Wu Nianting and Taiwan Steel: The Second Round Highlights
With Chang’s late declaration, the draft meeting on June 28 saw Fubon select Chang as their prized first pick while Taiwan Steel opted for Wu Nianting. The 31-year-old coming from a prominent career in Japan now has the opportunity to make her mark in Taiwan’s professional league.
Moreover, Fubon made another intriguing choice by selecting Zhang Yi, a former pitcher from Orix and Seibu, in the second round. Known for his potential, Zhang’s move to Taiko post-tryouts with 12 NPB teams showcases the competitive nature of this year’s draft.
Immediate Impact on the Field
One of the major distinctions between CPBL and NPB is that players selected in the CPBL draft can play immediately following contract signings. Within 24 hours of the draft, Taiko signed Wu Nianting, agreeing to a three-and-a-half-year contract worth NT$36 million (approximately JPY 170 million). This signing also highlighted her emotional connection to the game, as she chose to wear number “67,” a tribute to her father who wore the same number during his managerial stint.
The Record Contract of Zhang Development
The signing of Chang Yutaka by Fubon was particularly captivating due to the staggering contract details revealed during a press conference on July 11. His three-and-a-half-year contract was reported at a total of NT$92.5 million (approximately JPY 434.7 million), making it the highest in CPBL history. This contract nearly doubles the earnings of Jiang Shaoqing, the previous top player.
Fubon’s strategy appears geared toward revamping their lineup for greater competitiveness, and with Chang’s history of hitting and utility skills, he is expected to play a pivotal role in their quest for a championship.
Player Performance and Team Dynamics
As the season progressed, both Wu Nianting and Chang Yutaka began to showcase their talents. Wu Nianting registered as a regular player on June 30, quickly emerging as a pinch hitter in the first game of the second half of the season. In her first at-bat, she made an immediate impact by hitting a liner to right field.
Currently, Wu has played 16 games, maintaining a batting average of .281. Though still adapting to the league, her capability and strength at the plate make her an essential figure in Taiwan Steel’s lineup, which is further complemented by former NPB hitters like Wang Po-Jung and Steven Moya.
Chang’s Quick Adjustments
Chang’s debut on July 12 marked the start of his CPBL journey. Although he had a slow start, adjusting to the new league, he made a statement by hitting his first CPBL home run in his fourth game against Chinatrust Brothers. With a current batting average of .290 and three home runs in nine games, Chang’s performance has already established him as a key player to watch this season.
Comparative Overview: CPBL vs. NPB Drafts
| Feature | CPBL | NPB |
|---|---|---|
| Draft System | Waiver system | In-house recruitment |
| Eligible Players | All players, including overseas | Domestic players primarily |
| Contract Signing | Immediate post-draft | End of season |
| First Pick Significance | High impact expected | Future star potential |
Conclusion and Future Predictions
The recent drafts in the CPBL have not only strengthened the teams’ rosters but have also sparked significant interest in the league. The early performances of Chang Yutaka and Wu Nianting suggest that they will be key players in shaping the future of their respective teams. As the season progresses, fans are eager to see how these signings will impact both individual and team performances.
(Source: Pacific League Insight by Komada Hideaki)
(Pacific League Insight)
