Brother's influence: Baseball prospect Chen Po-kai opts for CPBL draft, eyes reunion with sibling
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Baseball player Chen Po-kai has changed his plans to play in the U.S. and is now a top prospect for the Chinese Professional Baseball League draft.
- His older brother, Chen Pin-hung, who plays for the Fubon Guardians, hopes Chen Po-kai will join his team.
- The Fubon Guardians hold the first pick in the draft, making a reunion of the brothers a strong possibility.
Baseball player Chen Po-kai, a highly touted shortstop from Ta-Hsi Senior High School, has shifted his focus from potential U.S. and Japanese professional leagues to the upcoming Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) draft. This decision has positioned him as a leading candidate for the top pick.
I told him about the pros and cons of both options, and it's up to him to choose. Whether he goes abroad or stays in the CPBL, I hope he is well-prepared.
Chen Po-kai's older brother, Chen Pin-hung, currently plays for the Fubon Guardians, the team holding the first overall selection in the draft. While the brothers did not directly discuss Chen Po-kai's decision, Chen Pin-hung shared insights about the CPBL, highlighting the Fubon Guardians' strong facilities and player development system.
"I told him about the pros and cons of both options, and it's up to him to choose," Chen Pin-hung stated. "Whether he goes abroad or stays in the CPBL, I hope he is well-prepared." He expressed excitement about the possibility of playing alongside his brother, though he also admitted a desire to face him in competition. Ultimately, he wishes his brother success regardless of his team.
I am very much looking forward to playing on the same team as him. This is my personal expectation, but I also want to compete against him. No matter which team he is on, I hope he has good development.
Fubon Guardians manager Koji Goto acknowledged hearing about Chen Po-kai before his entry into the draft. "He is a highly watched and capable young player," Goto said. "I knew he initially wanted to play overseas, but we always hoped he would stay in Taiwanese baseball."
He is a highly watched and capable young player. I knew he initially wanted to play overseas, but we always hoped he would stay in Taiwanese baseball.
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.