CPBL Foreign Players Updates Volume #443
CTBC Brothers News: Jack O’Loughlin
On July 22, Liberty Sports reported that 26-year-old Australian left-hander Jack O’Loughlin had been spotted at the CTBC Brothers’ facility. At the time, the Brothers confirmed that he was in Taiwan for a tryout.
Over a week later, on July 30, the CTBC Brothers officially announced the signing of Jack O’Loughlin. According to the team’s assistant general manager, they were impressed by his high release point, diverse pitch mix, and versatility, believing Jack O’Loughlin has the ability to contribute as either a starting pitcher or a long reliever.
Jack O’Loughlin began his professional career in 2016 after signing with the Detroit Tigers organisation as a 16-year-old. After spending several seasons in the Minor Leagues, he eventually made his Major League debut with the Oakland Athletics in 2024, posting a 4.66 ERA and 1.86 WHIP over 9.2 innings.
In 2026, Jack O’Loughlin signed a short-term deal with the Samsung Lions of the KBO. During his time in South Korea, he posted a 4.86 ERA and 1.39 WHIP over 83.1 innings.
Despite never pitching in the CPBL, Jack O’Loughlin is already somewhat of a familiar, or perhaps infamous, name among Taiwanese baseball fans. He first came into the spotlight earlier this year during the 2026 World Baseball Classic, where he threw 3 scoreless innings against Team Taiwan and sparked some controversy after a hit-by-pitch fractured Team Taiwan captain Chen Chien-Hsien’s index finger.
“It’s a small world. I guess it’s fate!” Uni-Lions’ Chen Chien-Hsien told Liberty Sports. “That hit-by-pitch was just part of the game. I was unlucky to get hit. Honestly, I don’t think too much of it, and it’s all water under the bridge for me.”
With the signing of Jack O’Loughlin, the CTBC Brothers currently have Mario Sanchez (2-year deal), José De Paula, Nivaldo Rodriguez, Kyle Tyler, Angel Macuare and Félix Peña as their group of foreign players for the 2026 season.
Further Readings
Foreign players come and go. Therefore, we have compiled a foreign player tracker, and I’ll be updating that list regularly to keep pace with the ever-changing roster shuffle throughout the 2026 CPBL season.
He should be able to do better than he did in the KBO. Maybe he’ll be able to cut back on his walk rate as well.
With the CPBL de-juiced brick ball. As long he can pound the strike zone, he should be fine.