Although most of the top international players have signed, several intriguing options remain on the market. Taiwanese pitcher Wen-Hui Pan ranks amongst the best of those players.
Pan had already been attracting interest. He was rumored to have three major league teams and two teams in Nippon Professional Baseball interested in his services back in January, although nothing had happened. It seemed to be a matter of Pan finding an offer he wanted.
Wen-Hui Pan reportedly heading stateside
That time may be getting closer. According to reports, not only has Pan received interest from five different major league teams at this point, but he is expected to sign with one of the NL East franchises for a signing bonus of approximately $400,000.
He could end up being a bargain at that price. Pan has a fastball that has already been clocked at 98.4 MPH, and as he is still growing into his frame, there is a chance that velocity increases. Add in the movement his fastball has, and it could be a plus offering.
Pan has already had a bit of success in his career. He was a part of Taiwan’s U-23 team in 2021, allowing four hits and a walk while striking out five over four shutout innings. He also showed a solid ability to generate grounders, as only two of the 15 batters he faced put the ball in the air.
It will take time before he reaches the majors, if that ever happens. There are always going to be pitfalls with any prospect, no matter how highly regarded they might be. Pan, however, would give whichever NL East team he has chosen an intriguing arm that might move through the system faster than expected.
Wen-Hui Pan has reportedly received offers from five major league teams. Those same reports say that he could be signing in the NL East soon.