CPBL New All-Time Saves Leader: Chen Yun-Wen

The CPBL has a new Save King!

On April 5, using only eight pitches, the Uni-Lions closer 陳韻文 (Chen Yun-Wen) quickly got the final three outs to secure the win for his team and set the new CPBL record by becoming the all-time saves leader with 130 career saves.

“I didn’t know I had it in me to break such an important record, but I owe it to my coaching staff for believing in me by putting me in a closer role when I was in my early 20s,” said Chen Yun-Wen.

As for the next personal goal? Chen Yun-Wen told the media that he wishes to stay healthy and break his single-season save record in the 2021 season (32 saves).

Chen Yun-Wen Talks About Former Saves Leaders

It is worth mentioning that Chen Yun-Wen broke the CPBL record in front of two former CPBL save leaders: The Wei Chuan Dragons pitching coach, Michael Garcia (124 saves) and Uni-Lions manager Lin Yueh-Ping (129 saves).

During the post-game interview with Liberty Sports, Chen Yun-Wen also briefly talked about two former Uni-Lions legendary closers.

“I want to thank my manager Lin Yueh-Ping (former Uni-Lions closer), who taught me how to adjust to the game throughout my career,” said Chen Yun-Wen.

“I want the on-field dominating presence like Michael Garcia (former Uni-Lions closer, now Dragons’ pitching coach), who came into the game with the confidence to get the save and secure the win for the team.”

Chen Yun-Wen’s CPBL Journey

Chen Yun-Wen, the 27-year-old right-hander, is entering his ninth season in the CPBL. He was drafted by the Uni-Lions back in 2014 in the first round with a signing bonus of 169,000 USD.

According to TSNA, the Minnesota Twins once offered him a contract worth 300,000 USD when he graduated from high school, but he turned it down and decided to stay in Taiwan and entered the CPBL draft.

At the end of the 2018 season, after Chen’s fourth CPBL season, the Uni-Lions confirmed there were multiple MLB teams interested in him, and Chen filed for international free agency. Unfortunately, at the time, there was no international posting agreement between the CPBL and MLB, so Chen could not make his way across the Pacific.

After 2018, Chen Yun-Wen continues to flourish as one of the top relievers in the CPBL with his overpowering fastball and the signature forkball as the out pitch.

In 2022, with Chen Yun-Wen getting near to being eligible for free agency (nine years of service), the Uni-Lions decided to lock him down with a 3-year deal worth 660,000 USD until the end of the 2024 season.

Being the CPBL Save King at 27, Chen Yun-Wen obviously still has plenty of gas in the tank. It would be exciting to see how far he can extend the all-time save record. 200 saves? 250 saves? Only time will tell.

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