BASEBALL/Young flamethrower Lin Po-chun to join Seattle Mariners

Taipei, Jan. 16 (CNA) Right-handed pitcher Lin Po-chun (林鉑濬) is set to officially sign with the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball (MLB) next week, according to foreign media reports.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, baseball journalist Francys Romero said sources had confirmed that the 18-year-old phenom, known for his 154-kilometer-per-hour (95-mile-per-hour) fastball, will join the American League West organization for about US$350,000.

Romero added that the Mariners plan to finalize Lin's signing next week.

Lin represented Team Taiwan in the Under-18 Baseball World Cup in 2022 and 2023, and the 2024 U18 Asian Baseball Championship.

He was named the MVP of the U18 Asian Baseball Championship last September after coming out of the bullpen and throwing 4 1/3 scoreless innings against Japan, leading Team Taiwan to win the title.

Previously, Lin credited his experience in international tournaments with helping him develop a fearless approach on the mound, adding that his ultimate goal has always been to play overseas.