*This content was translated by AI.
The Lotte Giants are expected to make a bold move by replacing their first Asian quota player in the KBO League. The team is intensifying its efforts to bolster its roster by directly scouting Wang Wei-chi (23, Taiwan Army), a promising right-handed fireballer from Taiwan, to replace Kyoyama Masaya (28), a Japanese-born Asian quota player who has been removed from the first-division roster twice already due to poor performance.
Multiple media outlets, including Taiwan's SETN News and Central News Agency, reported on the 11th that "the Lotte club dispatched a four-member scouting team, including Special Advisor Takatsu Shingo, to the finals of the Taiwanese amateur baseball 'Spring League' held at Kaohsiung Leader Baseball Stadium on the 10th. Their attention was focused on Wang Wei-chi, the closer for the Taiwan Army."
According to the report, on that day, Wang Wei-chi recorded a 'perfect save' by pitching the bottom of the ninth inning, allowing no hits or walks, and retiring all three batters in order, securing his team's championship victory. It is also reported that he showcased a fastball reaching a top speed of 154 km/h in front of the Lotte scouts.
Lotte's move coincides with the poor performance of Kyoyama, who is currently registered as an Asian quota player. Although Kyoyama was signed with high expectations this season, he posted a disappointing record of 0 wins, 1 loss, and 1 hold with an ERA of 7.59 in 10 games, leading to his removal from the first-division roster. First removed from the roster on April 19, Kyoyama returned to the first division on April 29 after adjustments but was sent down to the minor league again ahead of the game on May 9.
Wang Wei-chi is currently playing in amateur baseball but has also attracted interest from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) clubs. Instead of joining the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL), he made a practical choice to join the Taiwan Army, a team that guarantees his military service, to secure faster military benefits and pursue overseas opportunities. He is a proven talent who has represented Taiwan in the 2024 U-23 (under-23) World Cup and the 2025 Asian Championship. With full support from his team, he is well-positioned to pursue an overseas career.
Under KBO regulations, an Asian quota player can be replaced once per year. While rumors of Asian quota replacements are rampant, no team has yet executed such a move. Given that Lotte Giants' Special Advisor Takatsu Shingo personally visited the site to conduct inspections, it appears that Lotte's 'Asian quota replacement operation' is already underway to some extent.
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*This content was translated by AI.
