TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Fubon Guardians (富邦悍將) signed catcher Lin Dai-An (林岱安) Friday (Dec. 5) to a seven-year contract valued at NT$56 million (around US$1.79 million). Lin becomes the first player to join the Guardians through free agency.
The seven-year player-coach contract marks a significant milestone in the team's history in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL, 中華職棒), Taiwan's top baseball league. The veteran catcher previously played for the Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions (統一獅) before exercising his free agency rights after this season. The Guardians quickly engaged in talks and secured his commitment.
Lin joined the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL, 中華職棒) in 2015, building a reputation for strong offensive and defensive skills over his career. He boasts a career caught-stealing rate of .356 and a fielding percentage of .992 as a catcher. Lin earned the league's Gold Glove (金手套) for catchers twice, in 2019 and 2021, and secured an award for the top ten best catchers in 2021.
General Manager Chen Chao-ju (陳昭如) emphasized Lin's role in enhancing the team's capabilities, describing him as a new commander for the Guardians. Deputy General Manager Lin Wei-chu (林威助) highlighted Lin's extensive experience and excellent defensive skills, which can offer pitchers both trust and stability. The Guardians have initiated personnel adjustments and coaching staff restructuring at the season's end.