American media article profiles key player Chen Chieh-hsien: The legendary journey from NPB draft omission to baseball stardom

MLB.com reporter Michael Clair, ahead of the World Baseball Classic, presented American fans with 17 noteworthy baseball personalities and legendary tales from the rosters of each participating team, saving Chinese Taipei captain Chen Chieh-hsien for the concluding spotlight.

Per Clair's reporting, Chen Chieh-hsien is now a baseball star, yet his developmental journey indicates this outcome was not preordained. Despite signing the highest-value contract in CPBL (Chinese Professional Baseball League) history and winning the 2024 WBSC Premier12 tournament while earning MVP honors, his success was never a certainty from the start.

"As a teenager, Chen Chieh-hsien believed he could sign with a Major League team, but that never materialized," Clair wrote. "After graduating from high school in Japan, he entered the 2012 NPB draft but went unselected, leading him to return to Taiwan. He first played in the top-tier amateur league before being chosen in the 2016 CPBL rookie draft. Since then, he has become one of the most decorated players in the CPBL, with one Taiwan Series championship, a CPBL batting title, six All-Star selections, four Gold Glove awards, two Best Shortstop honors, and three Best Outfielder recognitions."

Clair concluded by stating, "If Chinese Taipei advances to Miami, Chen Chieh-hsien will be a central figure in their lineup."