TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Lin An-ko (林安可) signed with Japan's Saitama Seibu Lions (埼玉西武獅) as a free agent on Friday (Jan. 9), becoming the latest player to join Nippon Professional Baseball. The former Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions (統一獅) slugger thanked his previous team at a press conference and expressed excitement about competing in Japan's top baseball league. The Saitama Seibu Lions offered Lin a multi-year contract, signaling their long-term commitment to the Taiwanese star.
Saitama Seibu Lions advisor Tetsuya Shiozaki (潮崎哲也) said the team envisions a long-term relationship with Lin. Lin described his former club as "more than just a team," calling them "a family," and thanked the Japanese organization for the opportunity to pursue his dream abroad. The signing marks a significant move for Lin, who becomes one of few Taiwanese players currently active in NPB.
Shiozaki acknowledged uncertainty about Lin's participation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, despite recognizing his importance to the Taiwan national team. Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions manager Lin Yueh-Ping (林岳平) praised Lin's historic role as Taiwan's first two-way player in 2021 and his focus on batting after winning the 2020 home run title. Lin said he sought advice from Taiwanese NPB predecessors Gu Lin Ruei-yang (古林睿煬) and Wu Nien-ting (吳念庭). ◼