CPBL Foreign Players Updates Volume #177
Uni-Lions News: Teddy Stankiewicz
On July 1, the Uni-Lions announced they had parted ways with their ace, Teddy Stankiewicz.
According to the team, the 27-year-old right-hander will leave Taiwan to compete in the Tokyo Olympics for Team Mexico. After the Olympics, he will be seeking opportunities elsewhere.
“We respect his career decision and hope Stankiewicz will perform well in the Olympics,” said the Uni-Lions general manager.
The Uni-Lions mentioned in their press release that they did offer a higher salary, hoping to convince Teddy Stankiewicz to stay. However, he still wished to leave and play in the Olympics.
As of today, Teddy Stankiewicz posted a dominating 1.07 ERA and 0.64 WHIP over 50.1 innings. He currently leads the CPBL in WAR (1.82, pitchers only) and ERA (1.07).
With Teddy Stankiewicz departing, the Uni-Lions are now left with Tim Melville, Brock Dykxhoorn and Félix Doubront as their foreign players in the active roster.
The team has begun looking for another new foreign player as the fourth backup. According to the Uni-Lions general manager, they are currently targeting two to three foreign players and will make a move when Taiwan reopens its border.
Uni-Lions' Teddy Stankiewicz mowed down the Monkeys lineup last night as he tossed 7 scoreless innings and racked up 12 strikeouts. ? #CPBL pic.twitter.com/KojDLtvfpM
— CPBL STATS ♥️ #95 (@GOCPBL) May 8, 2021
Speculations: Where Is Teddy Going? Why Leave?
Based on the Uni-Lions press release, it is highly likely Teddy Stankiewicz was on a half-season contract with the Uni-Lions, which only lasted until June 30.
Since Teddy Stankiewicz will represent Mexico in the Olympics, the next logical place would the Mexican League.
Another potential scenario would be that he pitched well against Korea, Japan or the USA in the Olympics and land himself a contract in the KBO, NPB or MLB system.
With the Uni-Lions releasing Teddy Stankiewicz before the August 31 trade deadline, all other CPBL teams can now freely approach and sign Stankiewicz for the 2022 CPBL season without any restrictions.
Perhaps Teddy Stankiewicz will return to the CPBL again next year but wearing a different uniform?
Uni-Lions Teddy Stankiewicz strikes out 10 in a dominant complete game performance. The 27-year-old right-hander allowing just 1 earned run on 5 hits. #CPBL ? pic.twitter.com/ZTDCYdKndm
— CPBL STATS ♥️ #95 (@GOCPBL) April 16, 2021
Further Readings
Foreign players come and goes, therefore we compiled a foreign players tracker to keep track of all the foreign players signing for the 2021 CPBL season.
I’m thinking Stankiewicz will probably sign with a KBO or NPB team as they will bring him more money.
Mid-season KBO signing make the most sense. Especially if he pitches well against the Korean national team.
However, timing might be a little tight with the KBO trade deadline on July 31. Olympics is from July 23 to August 8. Another possibility is the KBO team make their move immediately after his start against either Japan or Korea.
You know my nephew Teddy has been looked over many times he has one of the best arms out there and will hopefully earn the money he needs to make /and if it’s the KBO or the NPB at least he is finally getting attention and respect and all the eyes on him good for him
I think he has a shot at the KBO next season. If not, there’s always the CPBL as the safety net.