Only Four CPBL Teams Support Asian Games Roster; Catcher Chang Xiang Added from Uni-Lions Due to Team Strength Considerations

(CNA reporter Hsieh Ching-wen, Taipei, 14th) The player roster for baseball at the 2026 Nagoya Asian Games has been announced. The Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) had agreed in principle for each team to contribute one player, but TSG Hawks and Fubon Guardians did not grant approval due to internal circumstances. As a result, the Uni-Lions were asked to provide an additional catcher, Chang Xiang, to meet team strength planning needs.

The 2026 Nagoya Asian Games will be held in September, with head coach Tang Teng-kai leading the baseball team. The 24-player roster was announced today, including eight overseas-based players from MLB, NPB, and KBO, along with five players from the CPBL.

Originally, the coaching staff proposed players from each CPBL team: Huang Wei-sheng (infielder, CTBC Brothers), Chen Chen-wei (outfielder, Rakuten Monkeys), Chu Chia-en (infielder, Uni-Lions), Liu Chi-hung (infielder, Wei Chuan Dragons), Tai Pei-feng (catcher, Fubon Guardians), and Tseng Tzu-yu (infielder, TSG Hawks).

Although Fubon Guardians and TSG Hawks received player call-up notices, neither team confirmed final selections during earlier interviews. Today’s 24-player roster does not include any players from these two teams.

According to sources, while both teams submitted multiple names, they did not match the Asian Games coaching staff’s specific strength requirements. After overall team strength evaluation, the decision was made for the Uni-Lions to contribute an additional catcher, Chang Xiang.

The Chinese Baseball Association told CNA that the original plan was for each team to contribute one player, minimizing impact on the season while supporting the national team. However, some teams declined due to special team circumstances. The association expressed gratitude to teams that supported the national team and respected each team’s decision.

Wu Sung-hsun, the primary catcher in the Asian Games training squad, was injured during camp. Lin Chia-cheng, a talented catcher playing in Japan, was not under official management and declined participation after consultation. Ultimately, catchers Chang Xiang and Tsai Wei-tai were selected for the final roster. (Editor: Lung Po-an) 1150714