Miami Marlins: Wei-Yin Chen to remain in Japan for 2021

Former Miami Marlins pitcher Wei-Yin Chen has a new team for 2021, as he will stay in Nippon Professional Baseball for the upcoming season.

When the Miami Marlins released Wei-Yin Chen at the end of the 2019 season, his career was in tatters. He was signed to a minor league deal by Seattle, only to be released in June when he was not going to be a part of Seattle’s 60 man roster. Chen eventually returned to Japan, putting up solid numbers during his brief time with the Chunichi Dragons.

That performance has led to another opportunity for Chen, as he has signed a one year deal with the Hanshin Tigers.

A solid middle of the rotation arm for the Orioles, Chen was a disappointment during his time in Miami. Injuries ruined his time with the Marlins, leading to a 5.10 ERA and a 1.327 WHiP in his 358 innings over his four seasons. His time as an effective pitcher seemed to be over.

But Chen found new life back in Nippon Professional Baseball. Although he had a 0-3 record for the Chiba Lotte Marines, he allowed just seven runs on 22 hits and four walks over his 26 innings, striking out 14 batters. Chen may not have dominated, but he was still effective.

That is what the Tigers are hoping for in the coming year. It is entirely possible that his numbers were a bit of a fluke, as Chen did allow four homers as well, but he could still be a solid middle of the rotation arm in NPB.

At 35 years old, Chen is not likely to make a return to the majors. His final season in Miami, when he worked out of the bullpen, was a complete disaster as he posted a 6.59 ERA and a 1.537 WHiP in his 68.1 innings. But Chen may still have a couple of years left in his arm as he will continue his career in Japan.

The Hanshin Tigers are hoping that is the case, as they have signed the former Miami Marlins pitcher to a one year deal.