Uni-Lions Sign Chen Chieh-Hsien to Largest CPBL Contract
The CPBL is now entering the era of mega contracts. In less than two months after the Brothers re-signed their shortstop Chiang Kun-Yu to a 10-year deal worth 4.33 million USD, the highest contract record in CPBL history has been broken again.
On March 21, the Uni-Lions announced the signing of their centre fielder 陳傑憲 (Chen Chieh-Hsien) to a 10-year extension worth 6.66 million USD (200,000,000 NTD), making it the largest contract in CPBL history.
According to the team, the contract includes a guaranteed salary of 5.6 million USD (168,000,000 NTD), with an additional 1.06 million USD (32,000,000 NTD) in performance incentives. There is also an opt-out clause allowing Chen Chieh-Hsien to be posted via the posting system if he chooses.
Note: Since foreign exchange rates often fluctuate, I prefer to use 30 NTD to 1 USD as the exchange rate for this blog.
Uni-Lions’ 陳傑憲 (Chen Chieh-Hsien) extends the lead to 5-0 with a 3-run blast to right. #CPBL pic.twitter.com/fLAAcYk9SO
— CPBL STATS 🪬🔮 (@GOCPBL) August 2, 2024
A Contract That Reflects Chen Chieh-Hsien’s Value
The Uni-Lions’ general manager described Chen Chieh-Hsien as a well-rounded player who excels both on-field performance and in popularity among fans, making him a marquee player in the league.
“This contract truly reflects Chen Chieh-Hsien’s value, which he has earned through his dedication and the high standards he sets for himself every day,” said the Uni-Lions’ general manager.
“I am very grateful to the Uni-Lions for recognising my value and believing in me,” said Chen Chieh-Hsien.
Uni-Lions’ 陳傑憲 (Chen Chieh-Hsien) lays out for a diving catch in centre field. #CPBL pic.twitter.com/JGiLJIoj5G
— CPBL STATS 🪬🔮 (@GOCPBL) May 9, 2024
Priority Is the Upcoming CPBL Season
When asked by the media how he felt about securing the largest contract in CPBL history, Chen Chieh-Hsien modestly admitted he never expected to be the one to break the record.
“To be honest, there are many players in the CPBL who are more talented than I am. I was just lucky to have the opportunity to play in international tournaments like the WBSC Premier12 and WBCQ and to perform well, which helped boost my contract value,” said Chen Chieh-Hsien.
Chen also emphasised that his Team Taiwan duties have now concluded and that his priority right now is to focus on his role as a player and as the Uni-Lions’ captain for the 2025 CPBL season.
“My hope for our team is to keep improving every year and for our young players to develop faster so they can strengthen our overall roster and give the team more depth to compete with others,” said Chen Chieh-Hsien.
2024 #WBSC Premier12
Team Taiwan’s captain 陳傑憲 (Chen Chieh-Hsien) crushes a 3-run shot, extending the lead to 4-0. pic.twitter.com/sBiTiAKG9P
— CPBL STATS 🪬🔮 (@GOCPBL) November 24, 2024
Quick Facts About Chen Chieh-Hsien
- 31-year-old centre fielder
- 2016 2nd round pick
- 2x Hit Leader (2018, 2020)
- 1x Batting Champion (2020)
- 7x Best Ten Award (2017-18, 2020-24)
- 3x Gold Glove (2022-24)
- 2024 WBSC Premier12 MVP
- 2024 WBSC Premier12 Best Defensive Player
- 2016 Season: 108 wRC+ (131 PA)
- 2017 Season: 155 wRC+ (516 PA)
- 2018 Season: 152 wRC+ (527 PA)
- 2019 Season: 145 wRC+ (88 PA)
- 2020 Season: 124 wRC+ (549 PA)
- 2021 Season: 141 wRC+ (450 PA)
- 2022 Season: 144 wRC+ (467 PA)
- 2023 Season: 143 wRC+ (481 PA)
- 2024 Season: 152 wRC+ (472 PA)
Team Taiwan’s 陳傑憲 (Chen Chieh-Hsien) drills an RBI triple into the gap to extend Taiwan’s lead to 8-2.#WorldBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/gznBmKO1Qb
— CPBL STATS 🪬🔮 (@GOCPBL) March 11, 2023
