Yankees Sign Top Taiwanese Pitching Prospect Chien-Fan Lai
The New York Yankees have strengthened their international pipeline by signing right-handed pitcher Chien-Fan Lai, the highest-rated Taiwanese pitcher in the 2026 international class, as a non-drafted free agent.
The 18-year-old becomes one of the organization’s top international pitching additions and continues the Yankees’ long-standing commitment to identifying elite talent from across the globe.
Yankees Continue International Investment
Lai, a 6-foot, 180-pound right-hander from Taitung, Taiwan, recently graduated from Daxi Senior High School in Taoyuan.
He is just the third player in franchise history to sign with the Yankees as a non-drafted free agent out of Taiwan, joining former Major League pitcher Chien-Ming Wang (2000) and infielder Fu-Lin Kuo (2009).
Lai will report to the Yankees’ Dominican Summer League Academy to begin his professional career.
Yankees Praise Lai’s Potential
Yankees Director of International Scouting Mario Garza believes Lai possesses the tools to develop into a Major League pitcher.
“The signing of Chien-Fan represents our renewed commitment to players in Taiwan, and in Asia as a whole,” Garza said.
“As I have gotten to know Chien-Fan, I have seen a focused and self-assured individual with great aptitude and a desire to improve. Through a scouting lens, he has an impressive multi-pitch mix, including a heavy fastball and quality off-speed pitches with solid command.”
Garza added that the organization believes Lai has the ability to thrive within the Yankees’ player development system and maximize his long-term potential.
International Success
Lai gained international recognition while representing Taiwan at the 2025 WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup.
He helped lead Taiwan to a bronze medal, appearing in three games out of the bullpen while striking out 14 batters over seven scoreless innings.
His performance further elevated his status as one of the premier amateur pitchers in Asia.
Yankees Expand Global Footprint
Global Player Acquisitions Supervisor Matt Slater emphasized the organization’s ongoing commitment to scouting internationally.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chien-Fan to the New York Yankees family as we continue to expand our global footprint,” Slater said.
“The Yankees are continually scouting all areas of the world for talented players who can impact and bring value to our organization. Chien-Fan has intriguing upside with the ability to develop into a successful Major League pitcher.”
Press Conference Scheduled in Taiwan
The Yankees will formally introduce Lai during a press conference on Friday, June 26, in Taipei, Taiwan.
The event is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. local time at the Courtyard by Marriott Taipei and will mark the official beginning of the highly regarded right-hander’s professional baseball career.
His performance further elevated his status as one of the premier amateur pitchers in Asia.
Yankees Expand Global Footprint
Global Player Acquisitions Supervisor Matt Slater emphasized the organization’s ongoing commitment to scouting internationally.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chien-Fan to the New York Yankees family as we continue to expand our global footprint,” Slater said.
“The Yankees are continually scouting all areas of the world for talented players who can impact and bring value to our organization. Chien-Fan has intriguing upside with the ability to develop into a successful Major League pitcher.”
Press Conference Scheduled in Taiwan
The Yankees will formally introduce Lai during a press conference on Friday, June 26, in Taipei, Taiwan.
The event is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. local time at the Courtyard by Marriott Taipei and will mark the official beginning of the highly regarded right-hander’s professional baseball career.
Source: NY Yankees
