

The Seattle Mariners have not had very good past two seasons. The last time they made the postseason was in 2022 when they broke their 21-year playoff drought. In 2024, the team had a strong start but saw a massive dip in form mid-season. Although they won 21 out of their last 34, they could not reach the playoffs and missed it by one game. With such a good performance at the end of the season, the Mariners will be looking to build on it and break through to the postseason this time. To make this easier they have made a signing that might just be the right fit.
The Seattle team just signed the MVP of the U-18 Asia Championship, Po-Chun Lin. This Taiwanese pitcher has got a rocket for an arm and could solve their pitching issues because even with an impressive bullpen, the Mariners failed to make an impact last season. Their starting pitchers were very good and provided a foundation for the team. Logan Gilbert had a good season with only a 3.23 ERA; Bryce Miller and Bryan Woo also had breakout seasons with sub-3.00 ERAs, showcasing the depth of the starting rotation.
But one of the main problems was their relievers. The relief pitchers faced a lot of injuries and were inconsistent. With the addition of Po-Chun Lin to their pitching lineup, they might be able to solve this problem.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Taiwanese 🇹🇼 RHP Po-Chun Lin has officially signed with the Seattle Mariners.
Bonus deal: $450,000.
The Mariners add a 95-mph arm with a splitter, slider, and changeup, MVP of the U-18 Asia Championship and Taiwan's 2023 U-18 World Cup team member. pic.twitter.com/KDUwKaffzt
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) January 21, 2025
He is also the first Taiwanese pitcher to sign during the current international signing period. As reported by Francys Romero through X, the team has also given him a massive signing bonus of $450,000. Po-Chun Lin was an integral part of Taiwan’s 2023 U-18 World Cup and also led his country to the U-18 Asia Championship.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Now, we will have to wait and see what the impact of this youngster is going to be on the MLB and the Seattle Mariners team.
Scouting beyond borders to rewrite the future of baseball
There is a massive talent pool this offseason, filled with players of different ethnicities. Recent trends have seen Asian talent flood the Major League Baseball (MLB) scene. The Los Angeles Dodgers have emerged as one of the leading players in this game, signing major league talent on their roster. One of these players is a Japanese pitching phenom named Roki Sasaki, who joined the Dodgers and signed a six-year contract that will see his exceptional skills be part of their pitching rotation for years to come. The Dodgers went on to include South Korean infielder Hye-Seong Kim, on a three-year, $12.5 million deal, also strengthening their team’s infield corps.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Chicago Cubs also drew from Asian talent by signing Japanese lefty Shota Imanaga to a four-year, $53 million deal. Imanaga quickly paid dividends with standout performances in his first MLB games. These types of signings exemplify the determination of MLB clubs to scout for talent across the globe, aware of the potential and skill brought by Asian players to the game!
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
ADVERTISEMENT
Debate
Can Po-Chun Lin be the Mariners' savior, or is this just another false hope?
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
What’s your perspective on:
Can Po-Chun Lin be the Mariners' savior, or is this just another false hope?
Have an interesting take?