The Arizona Diamondbacks have reportedly signed 19-year-old Taiwanese pitcher Chung-Hsiang Huang, marking another significant international acquisition for the organization. This move follows the successful signing of Yu-Min Lin, another Taiwanese prospect who has become one of Arizona’s top players in their farm system. The reported deal includes a $500,000 signing bonus, which utilizes the remainder of the team’s International signing bonus allotment. The agreement is pending a medical examination, which, if completed successfully, will secure Huang’s place in the Diamondbacks organization.
Huang recently showcased his potential during the 2024 WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup, where he impressed by allowing just one run and recording six strikeouts over 3.1 innings. Known for his powerful fastball, clocked at over 96 mph (155 kph), Huang brings a level of velocity that will be effective in the minor leagues and beyond. In addition to his fastball, Huang features a diverse arsenal of pitches, including a slider, curveball, splitter, and split-change. This variety offers the Diamondbacks significant potential for development, providing him with multiple tools to grow into a formidable pitcher.
Arizona has strategically focused on Taiwan as part of their international scouting efforts, seeking to expand their reach and establish a presence in Asia. This focus has already paid off with Yu-Min Lin, who was signed for $525,000 in 2021 and has since emerged as a standout prospect. The hope is that Huang will follow a similar trajectory, bringing the same level of success to the Diamondbacks’ pitching roster, albeit as a right-hander compared to Lin’s left-handed style.
Huang is expected to begin his professional career in the Arizona Complex League for the 2025 season. His progression to Single-A Visalia and beyond will depend on his performance during training at Salt River Fields and early competitive play. If Huang develops as anticipated, his signing could further enhance Arizona’s reputation as a destination for top international talent, particularly from Asia.
This deal highlights the Diamondbacks’ dedication to identifying and nurturing talent from across the globe. Their efforts in Taiwan and other Asian markets signal a commitment to building a robust international pipeline. Should the signing proceed without issues, it will provide another boost to Arizona’s already improving prospect system and strengthen their international credibility. Additionally, their scouting of other top talents like Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki shows the team’s ambition to continue competing on the global stage, cementing their place as a forward-thinking franchise in Major League Baseball.
