Fubon Guardians sign Chen Po-kai for record bonus

The Fubon Guardians yesterday announced that they had signed top draft pick Chen Po-kai for a NT$6.5 million (US$204,094) signing bonus, a record in the history of Taiwan’s CPBL.

The 18-year-old shortstop agreed to a two-and-a-half-year contract that also includes a NT$1 million training allowance and up to NT$1 million in performance incentives, bringing the deal’s total value to NT$8.5 million, the franchise said in a statement.

Chen’s signing bonus surpassed the previous CPBL record for an amateur draft pick, set in 2002 when the Sinon Bulls signed pitcher Tsai Chung-nan for NT$6 million.

Eighteen-year-old shortstop Chen Po-kai attends the CPBL draft in Taichung on June 29.

Photo: CNA

Chen, a graduate of Taoyuan Municipal Dasi Senior High School, became the fifth high-school player to be selected first overall in CPBL draft history when the Guardians chose him on June 29.

Chen was among nine Guardians draft picks who reached agreements with the club ahead of the CPBL’s Aug. 31 signing deadline.

The highly rated infielder is to join his older brother, pitcher Chen Pin-hong, with the Guardians.

“Thank you to the Fubon Guardians for valuing me,” Chen Po-kai was quoted as saying in the statement. “They were proactive in discussing the contract with me after the draft and showed tremendous confidence in me.”

“I also know that this recognition comes with responsibility,” he said. “I will work hard to prove myself step by step through my performance on the field.”

The Guardians said that they hoped Chen Po-kai would turn the confidence shown in him through his record contract into motivation, continue developing as he adjusts to the more demanding professional environment and become a core player for the club.

Chen Po-kai is training with Taiwan’s national team for the BFA XIV U18 Asian Baseball Championship, which is to be held in Taipei from Sept. 7 to 13.

He is to report to the Guardians after the tournament, the club said.