Taiwan’s Lee Hao-yu Closes in on Home Run Record Despite Tigers’ Defeat to Royals

Detroit: Detroit Tigers infielder Lee Hao-yu moved within two home runs of the single-season record for a Taiwanese MLB player in a game against the Kansas City Royals. Lee hit his seventh home run of the 2026 season during the top of the fifth inning, a notable 446-foot shot off Royals starter Michael Wacha, marking the longest of his MLB career. According to Focus Taiwan, Lee is approaching the record held by former MLB infielder Yu Chang, who set the benchmark with nine home runs while playing for the Cleveland Guardians in 2021. Earlier this month, Lee surpassed Chang's single-season record for hits by a Taiwanese player. Currently, Lee boasts 60 hits, 31 RBIs, one stolen base, and maintains a batting average of .278 over 216 at-bats this season. Despite Lee's impressive performance, the Tigers struggled offensively against Wacha, resulting in a 3-1 defeat. This marks the Tigers' seventh loss in their last eight games, bringing their season record to 61-68. Meanwhile, the Royals extended their winning s treak to seven games, the second-longest in the majors, trailing only the Philadelphia Phillies.