Gu Lin Ruei-Yang is Heading to Japan’s NPB!
On November 1, the Uni-Lions announced they had granted their ace 古林睿煬 (Gu Lin Ruei-Yang) permission to be posted during the 2024 CPBL offseason.
After reviewing offers from several NPB teams, the Uni-Lions revealed on November 12 that the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters had emerged as the winning bidder and successfully acquired the negotiation rights to Gu Lin Ruei-Yang.
The 24-year-old hard-throwing Taiwanese right-hander became the second player successfully posted through the CPBL posting system. Under the CPBL posting regulations, the Fighters have 30 days to finalise a deal with Gu Lin Ruei-Yang.
The Uni-Lions general manager told the media, they have attracted multiple NPB teams to bid on Gu Lin Ruei-Yang, with the final decision coming down to a close contest between the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters and the Yokohama DeNA BayStars. Ultimately, the Fighters came out on top.
Uni-Lions’ young fireballer 古林睿煬 (Gu Lin Ruei-Yang) struck out 9 over 5.1 scoreless innings. His velocity reached 157 kph (97.6 mph) tonight. 🔥 #CPBL pic.twitter.com/wNbGpgoS1P
— CPBL STATS 🪬🔮 (@GOCPBL) April 7, 2024
Rumour on Gu Lin Ruei-Yang’s Posting Fee
According to Liberty Sports, the Uni-Lions are expected to receive approximately $1 million USD as a posting fee from the Fighters, while Gu Lin Ruei-Yang’s annual salary is rumoured to be nearing $1 million USD.
Gu Lin Ruei-Yang’s agency, Athletics Marketing, did not confirm the contract details but shared with the media that they are currently working towards either a 3-year or 3+1 year agreement with the Fighters.
November 26 Update: Signing Press Conference
On November 26, the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters have officially signed Gu Lin Ruei-Yang. The Fighters did not disclosed Gu Lin’s contract detail during the press conference, but according to various media outlets it is a 3-year deal with a player/team option on the fourth year. The 3-year contract is reportedly worth roughly 1.7 million USD, not counting performance incentives.
From CPBL to NPB! ✈️
SIGNED! 24-year-old 古林睿煬 (Gu Lin Ruei-Yang) is now officially a member of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters!
The hard-throwing Uni-Lions ace has become the second CPBL player to be successfully posted via the posting system.#CPBL #NPBTW pic.twitter.com/FxtjQiYBXo
— CPBL STATS 🪬🔮 (@GOCPBL) November 26, 2024
Quick Facts of Gu in Ruei-Yang
- Fastball: Topped at 157 kph
- Arsenal: Splitter, Curveball, Slider, Cutter, Sinker
- 2024 Season Awards: MVP, ERA Leader, Best Ten,
- 2024 CPBL Season Stats
- 1.66 ERA, 1.07 WHIP
- 125 innings pitched
- 29.9 K%, 5.3 BB%, 27.4 Whiff%
- 1.78 FIP, 4.5 WAR
2024 #CPBL Playoff Series G1
Uni-Lions’ ace 古林睿煬 (Gu Lin Ruei-Yang) allowed 1 run and struck out 5 over 7 solid innings of work. pic.twitter.com/CBecdovA03
— CPBL STATS 🪬🔮 (@GOCPBL) October 12, 2024