Taipei, Taiwan — Taiwanese pitcher Lin Yu-min (林昱珉) has garnered international attention ahead of the 2024 WBSC Premier12 as one of the standout players to watch. The 21-year-old left-hander, who is affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks and plays for their Triple-A team, has earned an honorable mention on the MLB official website as part of their “eight players to watch” in the upcoming global baseball tournament.
In a feature written by MLB writer Michael Clair, Lin ranked No. 4 on a list that highlights players from eight of the 12 nations participating in the Premier12. This recognition places Lin among some of the most promising baseball talents worldwide, further solidifying his reputation as a top prospect for the Diamondbacks and Taiwanese baseball.
Lin’s Pitching Style: A Focus on Breaking Balls
Unlike many pitching prospects who rely on high velocity fastballs, Lin’s strength lies in his exceptional breaking balls. According to Clair’s write-up, Lin typically throws in the low 90s mph range, but it’s his low-80s changeup and a solid curve/slider combo that make him a formidable opponent on the mound.
This pitching style has made Lin one of the most effective pitchers in the minor leagues, where his ability to fool batters with off-speed pitches has made him a standout in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ farm system. While Lin may not boast blazing fastball speed, his command and pitch selection have earned him recognition from both scouts and analysts alike.
Injury Sets Back but Promising Future Ahead
Lin’s promising 2024 season was somewhat disrupted after a foul ball struck him in the face while he was in the dugout, causing him to miss six weeks. However, his recovery was swift, and the Diamondbacks were impressed enough with his performance to promote him to Triple-A for one start at the end of the season.
Despite the setback, Lin’s inclusion in the Premier12 is a testament to his potential and resilience. The MLB feature mentioned that Lin’s injury didn’t detract from his growing reputation as one of the top pitching prospects in Taiwan and the United States. He remains a key part of Taiwan’s hopes in the Premier12, where he will be a crucial member of Team Taiwan.
Lin Yu-min Among Promising International Talents
In his list of eight players to watch, MLB’s Michael Clair also spotlighted other rising stars from Team USA, Japan, Australia, and Cuba. Here’s a look at the full list of players to watch at the 2024 WBSC Premier12:
| Player | Team/Nation | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Chandler Simpson | Team USA | Tampa Bay Rays No. 4 Prospect |
| Hiroto Takahashi | Japan | Chunichi Dragons (Nippon Professional Baseball) |
| Travis Bazzana | Australia | Cleveland Guardians No. 1 Prospect |
| Lin Yu-min | Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) | Arizona Diamondbacks No. 7 Prospect (Triple-A) |
| Dylan Farley | Netherlands | Nicholls State University / Amsterdam Pirates |
| Edgardo Villegas | Puerto Rico | University of Miami |
| Yoán Moncada | Cuba | Free agent |
| Do-yeong Kim | South Korea | Kia Tigers (Korea Baseball Organization) |
Taiwan’s Young Talent on the International Stage
Lin’s inclusion in this prestigious list not only highlights his individual talent but also underscores the growing prominence of Taiwanese baseball on the global stage. Lin is among a select group of players from Taiwan who have made it to Triple-A in the United States, joining Teng Kai-wei (鄧愷威) as one of only two Taiwanese pitchers at this level.
While Lin’s rise in the Diamondbacks’ system has been impressive, his role with Team Taiwan at the Premier12 gives him a chance to showcase his skills on a larger stage, as Taiwan competes against the best baseball nations in the world.
Setback for Pan Wen-hui as Lin Shines
While Lin Yu-min continues to rise as a pitching prospect, Taiwan’s hopes at the Premier12 took a hit with the news that Pan Wen-hui (潘文輝), a fellow Taiwanese pitcher, has withdrawn from the tournament due to a serious arm injury. Pan, who was promoted to Double-A with the Philadelphia Phillies’ minor league system, has been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and is scheduled to undergo Tommy John surgery, which will sideline him until 2026.
With Pan unavailable, Lin will be the only Taiwanese pitcher under contract with an overseas franchise at the Premier12, where Taiwan will rely heavily on his pitching skills to contend against top international teams. The team will begin its tournament campaign at Taipei Dome next Wednesday.
Player Spotlights at the Premier12: Taiwan’s Rising Star
As the 2024 WBSC Premier12 approaches, Lin Yu-min’s story serves as an example of the rising talent coming out of Taiwan’s baseball programs. His success at the Triple-A level and recognition by MLB further cement his status as one of Taiwan’s most exciting young prospects. The Premier12 will be a key platform for Lin to prove his worth on the international stage, and Taiwanese baseball fans are eager to see how he performs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Premier12 tournament?
The Premier12 is a global baseball competition organized by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), featuring the top baseball teams from around the world, including USA, Japan, Taiwan, and others. It serves as an important international showcase and qualifying event for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
2. Why is Lin Yu-min being highlighted by MLB?
Lin Yu-min has been recognized by MLB for his impressive pitching ability, particularly his breaking balls and his ability to deceive batters with his low-90s fastball and low-80s changeup. His skill set has earned him a spot as one of the top players to watch in the Premier12 tournament.
3. What injury did Lin Yu-min face in 2024?
Lin Yu-min suffered an injury when a foul ball struck him in the face while he was in the dugout during the 2024 season, causing him to miss six weeks of play. However, he made a successful recovery and was promoted to Triple-A for one start before the season ended.
4. How has Taiwan’s team changed with Pan Wen-hui’s injury?
Pan Wen-hui suffered a serious arm injury and will undergo Tommy John surgery, ruling him out for the Premier12 tournament. As a result, Lin Yu-min will be the only Taiwanese pitcher from an overseas franchise representing Taiwan in the tournament.
5. When does Team Taiwan play its first game in the Premier12?
Team Taiwan will play its first game at Taipei Dome next Wednesday as part of the 2024 WBSC Premier12 tournament.
