TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The New York Yankees announced the signing of 18-year-old Taiwanese pitcher Lai Chien-fan (賴謙凡), making him the third Taiwanese player to join the storied MLB franchise.
Lai, a right-handed pitcher, reportedly received a signing bonus of US$850,000 (NT$26.9 million) after agreeing to terms as a non-drafted free agent. The Yankees considered Lai the highest-rated Taiwanese pitching prospect in the 2026 international signing class, per CNA.
A graduate of Daxi Senior High School, Lai has recorded a fastball reaching 154 kph. He represented Taiwan at the 2025 U18 World Cup, where he pitched seven innings, struck out 14 batters, walked one, and allowed just one run.
The Yankees are scheduled to hold a signing press conference at 10 a.m. Friday at the Courtyard by Marriott Taipei. Lai is expected to report afterward to the ballclub's academy in the Dominican Summer League.
"The signing of Chien-Fan represents our renewed commitment to players in Taiwan and in Asia as a whole," said Mario Garza, the Yankees' director of international scouting. From a scouting standpoint, Garza praised Lai's repertoire, citing his fastball, off-speed pitches, and command, per a press release.
"This combination of traits allows us to believe that he will acclimate himself well in our development system, maximize his on-field potential, and eventually become a productive Major League pitcher," Garza said.
Matt Slater, the Yankees' global player acquisitions supervisor, said the organization was pleased to add another promising international prospect. "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," said Slater.
