Taipei: Star slugger Lin An-ko, who has recently signed with the Saitama Seibu Lions of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), expressed enthusiasm about competing against fellow Taiwanese players. "Gu Lin Ruei-yang Hsu Jo-hsi and Sung Chia-hao I look forward to playing against them all," said Lin, a four-time Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) all-star, during a press event in Taipei.

According to Focus Taiwan, Lin reflected on his time with his former club, the Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions, describing it as more than just a team but a family and a crucial starting point in his career. He also expressed gratitude to the Seibu Lions for acknowledging his skills. Although Lin joins the Japanese team primarily as a batter, Uni-Lions manager Lin Yueh-ping recalled Lin's desire to pitch and bat when he was first registered as a pitcher for the 2019 CPBL mid-season draft.

Manager Lin Yueh-ping noted that Lin An-ko had consulted with overseas teams to develop as a two-way player. However, the assessment at the time was that achieving the necessary level as a pitcher for international play would take longer than as a hitter. Lin Yueh-ping was pleased that Lin embraced the team's vision after the 2020 season when Lin won the CPBL home run title in his debut season.

During the event, Lin An-ko wore his new No. 73 jersey, assisted by Seibu Lions President and CEO Tsuyoshi Okumura and senior advisor Tetsuya Shiozaki. Shiozaki emphasized the organization's commitment to helping Lin adapt to Japan quickly and expressed confidence in Lin's ability to secure a position on the top-team roster.

Shiozaki mentioned it is premature to decide if Lin will be released to represent Taiwan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic this March. While specific contract details were not disclosed, Shiozaki confirmed the commitment is long-term, stating that the team envisions Lin playing in Japan for many years under a multi-year deal.