Taipei: Retired pitcher Chen Wei-yin expressed regret over not playing in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) due to unclear rules for players with significant overseas achievements. At his retirement press conference in Taipei, the former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher shared his thoughts on joining a CPBL franchise, but uncertainties in the league’s rules ultimately deterred him.

According to Focus Taiwan, Chen, 39, felt that his extensive professional career should exempt him from entering the CPBL through the draft. Since 2004, Chen has played in Japan and the United States, becoming an ace starter for the Chunichi Dragons before joining the Baltimore Orioles in MLB. Despite his impressive overseas resume, including the most innings pitched and starts among Taiwan-born players in MLB, CPBL’s vague eligibility criteria and unclear free agency rules left Chen uncertain about his future in the league.

Chen cited a CPBL clause introduced in 2013, which complicated his potential entry into t
he league. Under this rule, only the CPBL commissioner can propose a case for the league’s Standing Council, requiring a two-thirds majority vote for approval. Former MLB pitcher Kuo Hung-chih remains the only player to have entered the CPBL through this clause, with his team forfeiting draft picks as a result.

In response to the situation, CPBL Commissioner Tsai Chi-chang acknowledged the draft’s role in maintaining league competitiveness but admitted the current system is “a bit weird” for players with significant overseas achievements. Efforts are underway to establish clearer criteria based on factors like overseas seasons and age, aiming to preserve the draft’s tradition and spirit.

Although Chen never pitched in the CPBL, he expressed a desire to guide and inspire local players, leveraging his experience to support Taiwan’s baseball talent. Noting the country’s struggle to produce consistent MLB players in recent years, Chen attributed this to the mindset of the younger generation and expressed intere
st in becoming a visiting coach to help nurture future talent.

Chen emphasized the difference between coaching and playing, stating his intent to further prepare himself through experiences in Japan and the U.S., ensuring he can offer valuable guidance in the long run.