Taiwanese right-hander Chien-Fan Lai signs with Yankees from $872,500 bonus

Taiwanese right-hander Chien-Fan Lai signs with Yankees from $872,500 bonus | iNFOnews.ca
New York Yankees' Ben Rice celebrates with Jasson Domínguez (24) after hitting a three run home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Friday, June 19, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

NEW YORK (AP) — Chien-Fan Lai, an 18-year-old right-handed pitcher from Taiwan, agreed to a minor league contract with the New York Yankees on Tuesday that includes a $872,500 signing bonus.

Lai helped Taiwan win a bronze medal at last year’s Under-18 World Cup, striking out 14 over seven innings in three relief appearances.

Former Yankees from Taiwan include pitcher Chien-Ming Wang, who signed in 2000, and infielder Fu-Lin Kuo, who signed in 2009.

Lai will report to the organization’s Dominican Summer League Academy.

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