BASEBALL/Guardians sign top pick Chen Po-kai for record NT$6.5 million bonus

Taipei, Aug. 21 (CNA) The Fubon Guardians have signed top draft pick Chen Po-kai (陳柏凱) for a NT$6.5 million (US$203,960) signing bonus, a record in the history of Taiwan's Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL).

The 18-year-old shortstop agreed to a 2.5-year contract that also includes a NT$1 million training allowance and up to NT$1 million in performance incentives, bringing the deal's total value to NT$8.5 million, the franchise announced in a statement Friday.

Chen's signing bonus surpassed the previous CPBL record for an amateur draft pick, set in 2002 when the Sinon Bulls signed pitcher Tsai Chung-nan (蔡仲南) for NT$6 million.

Chen, a graduate of Taoyuan Municipal Daxi Senior High School, became the fifth high school player to be selected first overall in CPBL draft history when the Guardians chose him on June 29.

Chen was among nine Guardians draft picks who reached agreements with the club ahead of the CPBL's Aug. 31 signing deadline.

The highly rated infielder will also join his older brother, pitcher Chen Pin-hong (陳品宏), with the Guardians.

"Thank you to the Fubon Guardians for valuing me," Chen was cited as saying in the statement. "They were proactive in discussing the contract with me after the draft and showed tremendous confidence in me."

"I also know that this recognition comes with responsibility," he added. "I will work hard to prove myself step by step through my performance on the field."

The Guardians said they hoped Chen would turn the confidence shown in him through his record contract into motivation, continue developing as he adjusts to the more demanding professional environment and become a core player for the club.

Chen is currently training with Taiwan's national team for the BFA XIV U18 Asian Baseball Championship, which will be held in Taipei from Sept. 7-13.

He will report to the Guardians after the tournament, the club said.