Chen-Hsun Lee, a 20-year-old right-handed pitcher out of Taiwan, is reportedly expected to sign with the Giants once the international signing period officially opens next week.
Lee, according to Asian media outlet TSNA, is expected to sign with the Giants for a bonus worth $650,000. The international signing period officially begins Jan. 15, and the TSNA article reports that Lee has a press conference to announce the deal scheduled for Jan. 18.
Lee’s fastball reportedly touches 95 mph. He underwent Tommy John surgery in early 2020 and returned to the mound in 2021.
Lee played for Taiwan in the 2013 Little League World Series and later made headlines as a 15-year-old when he was already throwing 90 mph. His velocity spiked to 95 mph before his elbow surgery.
Pitching for the U23 National Team in the Baseball World Cup recently, Lee allowed two earned runs in seven innings. He struck out seven and walked one.
The Giants have signed players out of Asian professional leagues before, but they don’t have a history of using international signing bonus money on an Asian amateur prospects.
San Francisco has reportedly shown interest in Lee as far back as November. Teams have a bonus pool of at least $4.75 million for amateur international free agents.