Rakuten Monkeys Re-sign LHP Chiu Wei-Lun After Observing Improved Control and Pitch Quality

(CNA, Taipei, May 19, by reporter Hsieh Ching-wen) The CPBL's Rakuten Monkeys announced today that they have re-signed left-handed pitcher Chiu Wei-Lun. The club stated that they observed Chiu's significant evolution in amateur competition, noting improvements in both his control and pitch quality, and they expect him to be a new force for the Monkeys. The 21-year-old left-hander was originally the Monkeys' 4th round draft pick in 2022 but had no first-team appearances. He was not placed on the club's contract reserved list after the 2024 season and subsequently joined the amateur team, Taipei Hsin-Fu-Fa. Chiu delivered strong performances in this year's National Adult Baseball First Division Spring League, earning him a new professional contract. The Monkeys announced the re-signing today, stating they never stopped monitoring Chiu's progress and found he showed remarkable evolution in the amateur scene, with more mature pitching and noticeably better control and quality than before. The Monkeys organization said the decision to re-sign Chiu was based on the consideration of strengthening their pitching depth, and they hope he can bring this improvement back to the professional stage and inject new strength into the team. In his CPBL minor league career, Chiu has appeared in 21 games, all in relief, pitching 12.1 innings with 14 runs allowed (12 earned), 2 holds, and an ERA of 8.76. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching)