TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Pittsburgh Pirates have executed a strategic three-team trade with the Tampa Bay Rays and the Houston Astros on Thursday (Jan. 8) to strengthen their lineup. To make room on their 40-man roster, the Pirates designated Taiwanese player Cheng Tsung-Che (鄭宗哲) and Marco Luciano for assignment.
Cheng, who debuted in the major leagues in 2025, played eight games with the Pirates, spending five on the bench and appearing in three with seven at-bats, ultimately returning to Triple-A. On April 9, 2025, he made his major league debut, recording three strikeouts in three games and seven plate appearances before being sent back to Triple-A.
MLB Trade Rumors reported that Cheng's impressive plate discipline, along with his exceptional middle-infield defense and baserunning speed, caught the attention of the Rays. This led to the Rays including him in their 40-man roster for the new season, offering him a new opportunity to shine in the major leagues.