Boston:Taipei Taiwanese infielder Cheng Tsung-che navigated an uncertain baseball season in the United States by adhering to three daily principles finding positivity in every situation, controlling the controllable, and striving to "win the day." These principles helped him manage challenges such as roster setbacks, batting issues, and limited playing opportunities.
According to Focus Taiwan, Cheng, who was initially signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2019, ascended the ranks to become the organization’s No. 7 prospect entering 2024. He demonstrated his potential by batting .333 and achieving a team-high 1.238 OPS as Taiwan's starting shortstop at the World Baseball Classic in March, including hitting a crucial go-ahead home run against South Korea.
Despite reaching the major leagues with the Pirates in 2025, Cheng faced a setback when he was designated for assignment after three games without a hit. This led to a series of claims by different teams before Cheng landed with the Boston Red Sox in February 2026. During his tenure with the Red Sox, he participated in 14 games, achieving a .256 batting average and contributing significantly to the team's franchise-tying 15-game winning streak.
In Triple-A, Cheng hit .241 with eight home runs for Worcester, compared to his .209 average and one homer for Indianapolis in 2025. He overcame a midseason slump by refining his hitting technique and further developed his skills by interacting with coaches and teammates, a process facilitated by speaking English without an interpreter.
Cheng expressed gratitude for his experiences, including playing at Fenway Park and forming new relationships. He plans to play winter ball in Puerto Rico to prepare for the possibility of a late start to the next season due to MLB labor agreement negotiations. His focus remains on performing his best each day, with no specific numerical goals in mind.
