TAIPEI (Taiwan News) —Eighteen-year-old Taiwanese pitcher Lin Wei-en (林維恩) signed a US$1.35 million (NT$43.6 million) deal with the Oakland A's on Thursday (June 6). 

Lin, a left-hander, graduated from Ping Jen Senior High School (平鎮高中) in Taoyuan. Lin is the ninth Taiwanese player to secure an MLB contract over US$1 million, according to CNA.

Lin garnered attention during the 2023 WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup, shutting out Korea, Netherlands, and Japan across 13 scoreless innings with 14 strikeouts, per CPBL STATS. Taiwan ultimately finished runner-up to Japan in the tournament.

The southpaw donated NT$484,482 to his former schools in Taoyuan: Guishan Elementary School (龜山國小), Hsin Ming Junior High School (新明國中), and Ping Jen Senior High School.

The A's international baseball scout Adam Hislop lauded Lin's talent at a press conference, calling him one of the best pitchers he's encountered in his 15-year scouting career. Hislop first noticed Lin in 2017, impressed by his performance during a youth baseball tournament where he won both games he pitched, throwing a combined 209 pitches in the semifinals and championship, per CNA.

Highlighting his ability to perform under pressure, Hislop noted Lin's performance at the 2023 WBSC U-18 tournament. He anticipates Lin receiving his visa within six weeks and heading to the U.S. to start training.