San Diego Padres sign their first Chinese prospect in Zack Qin

Major League Baseball is doing everything they can to grow the game internationally, setting up academies in different countries. One of those alums has signed with the San Diego Padres.

According to Jesse Sanchez at MLB.com, the Padres have signed their first Chinese prospect in Zack Qin, a 17 year old pitcher who had spent time at the MLB Academy in China.

San Diego Padres ink Chinese prospect Zack Qin

After his time at the Academy, Qin came stateside. He had been slated to be part of the 2022 All-American Classic by Perfect Game, a part of the West Team in the game scheduled for August 28. Qin was to be the only player that was not from a United States school participating.

There is not much information available on Qin. He has a fastball that sits in the upper 80s and has been clocked as high as 90 MPH, a respectable velocity for a raw 17 year old. Qin also has the vestiges of the curve as well. He does need to work on commanding his arsenal, but that seems to be more of a mechanical issue as he kept missing high. There is certainly enough to work with where he is an intriguing prospect.

Qin also has the type of frame that bodes well for increased velocity. He stands 6’2″ tall and weighs 180 pounds, giving him plenty of room to put on muscle. Add in the fact that he is left handed and is already throwing a 90 MPH fastball at this age, and he is an intriguing prospect.

The San Diego Padres have signed Chinese prospect Zack Qin. He will take time to develop but could be a name to keep an eye on going forward.