Particle.news
Download on the App Store
5 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

Yankees Sign Taiwanese Pitcher Chien-Fan Lai to Dominican Summer League

The club says the signing reflects a renewed commitment to Taiwan and a shift in its international scouting approach under new leadership.

Image
Apr 3, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; A general view of the field and main scoreboard at Yankee Stadium before the game between the New York Yankees and the Miami Marlins. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
New York Yankees' Ben Rice celebrates with Jasson Domínguez (24) after hitting a three run home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Friday, June 19, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
Image

Overview

  • The Yankees announced the signing of 18-year-old right-hander Chien-Fan Lai on Tuesday and said he will report to the club’s Dominican Summer League to begin his pro development.
  • Scouts describe Lai as a strikeout-oriented arm with a fastball that has touched the mid-90s, a big, breaking curveball and an offspeed changeup.
  • The organization plans to develop Lai as a starter at the DSL level, focusing first on physical maturation, command and expanding his pitch mix before moving him through the minors.
  • Yankees international leaders Mario Garza and Matt Slater framed the move as part of a broader push into Taiwan and Asia after front-office changes in late 2025.
  • The signing is notable historically for the club as the first Taiwanese right-handed starting-pitcher signing since Chien-Ming Wang in 2000 and the first amateur signing from Taiwan since 2009, and the prospect could be several years from the majors if his velocity and command grow with pro coaching.