Fairchild Contacted by CPBL Teams, Dragons Manager Yeh Confirms Interest

Taipei, July 4 (CNA) Stuart Fairchild, a Taiwanese-American baseball player who has been playing in Major League Baseball, has declared himself a free agent and may return to Taiwan to join the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL). Wei Chuan Dragons manager Yeh Chun-chang admitted that the team has made contact, but whether they can successfully sign him depends on the team's overall situation.

Fairchild (Stuart Fairchild) was designated for assignment (DFA) by the Cleveland Guardians of MLB. After his contract expired today, he refused to be sent down to the minor leagues and chose to become a free agent. Subsequently, reports emerged that CPBL teams had made contact.

Yeh Chun-chang told the media in an interview today, "We should be one of those teams. But it still depends on him and the team's situation."

Dragons' outstanding foreign pitcher John Gant has been attracting attention from foreign teams this year. Yeh Chun-chang also admitted that although Gant is inclined to stay with the Dragons this year, it is not 100% confirmed. "If, hypothetically, Gant were to leave, then indeed there would be room." In that case, they would consider signing Fairchild.

Yeh Chun-chang revealed that he learned about Fairchild through coach Chang Chien-ming and outfielder Giljegiljaw Kungkuan, who were teammates in the World Baseball Classic. "Their assessments should be quite objective and worth referencing, and the overall outlook is quite positive. His hitting ability should be comparable to that of Chang Yu-cheng, and his speed and defense are also very good."

Fairchild has already obtained a Taiwan Employment Gold Card, but if he were to join the CPBL currently, he would need to do so as a foreign player. Yeh Chun-chang pointed out that this is the current regulation. If he wishes to participate in next year's draft, it will also depend on whether he meets the CPBL's requirements. (Edited by Li Heng-shan) 1150704

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