TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Oakland Athletics invited Taiwanese pitcher Lin Wei-en (林維恩), 20, to Major League Baseball (MLB) spring training Thursday (Jan. 29), marking a significant milestone for one of the organization's most anticipated rookies. Lin joined the Athletics in 2024 and has rapidly climbed through the minor league levels. His impressive performance last year drew attention as a top prospect heading into the 2026 season.
The Athletics announced 31 invitees outside their 40-man roster for spring training, including 14 players with MLB experience, the MLB website reported. Lin is among the rookies invited and climbed from Class A to Double-A in Minor League Baseball (MiLB) last year, drawing significant attention within the organization. Billy Owens, the Athletics' director of player personnel, expressed optimism about Lin's potential to reach the majors this year.
Lin ranked 19th on the Athletics' prospect list last year, pitching 87 innings in 26 games across three levels with 117 strikeouts, 22 walks and a 3.72 ERA, recording four wins and five losses. Fellow Taiwanese pitcher Zhuang Chen Zhong-Ao (莊陳仲敖), who is already on the Athletics' 40-man roster, will also attend spring training. Both pitchers' performances could determine their placement at higher levels when the season begins. ◼