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Minnesota Twins sign Taiwanese pitcher Teng

By Benjamin Chase

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 20: A Minnesota Twins cap and glove in the dug out before a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards at on August 20, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 20: A Minnesota Twins cap and glove in the dug out before a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards at on August 20, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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The Minnesota Twins announced the signing of a right-handed pitcher from Asia, though not the one most Twins fans were hoping for!

The Minnesota Twins have been in heavy negotiations with free agent starting pitcher Yu Darvish. However, on Thursday, the team announced a different signing from Asia.

Kai-Wei Teng, RHP

Teng is 6’4″ and currently weighs in at 260 pounds. He is well-built at that size, though he could probably stand to lose a few pounds.

Teng first came on the scene with Taiwan team in the Little League World Series, and he’s pitched in multiple international competitions since.

Teng held a workout for major league clubs in May of this year. He did sign in September, but the Twins announced the deal in December after getting him in for medical evaluation before he was officially signed.

Teng has been clocked up to 94 previously, but he was topping out at 92 with his fastball in his showcase this spring. His primary fastball is a heavy two-seam fastball that sits around 90 and has excellent late movement low in the zone.

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Teng has a curve that features excellent late break, though reports I’ve been able to find online vary on his ability to control/command the pitch. He does show an advanced feel for a change, with excellent fade and command of the pitch.

Teng just turned 19 earlier this month. He will most likely open the spring with the Minnesota Twins spring training complex in extended spring before heading to either the Gulf Coast League or Elizabethton. However, he has a track record of pitching in professional ball and could quickly move with his advanced feel.

Teng received a $500,000 signing bonus and $80,000 for future tuition expenses from the Twins. He’s the 5th player from Taiwan to sign with the Minnesota Twins.

Next: Twins trade profile: Mariners

Teng will be fun to track this season as he begins his career with the Minnesota Twins!

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