Tsung-Che Cheng’s Journey: From Promise to Challenges with the Pirates
In a recent evaluation of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ top prospects, Tsung-Che Cheng stands out as an intriguing figure. Signed as an amateur free agent from Taiwan for $380,000, Cheng’s initial years with the team saw his potential soar. With his remarkable speed and defensive prowess, he has primarily played shortstop but also contributed at second and third base. At just 23 years old, Cheng’s skill set had many believing he would quickly rise through the ranks.
Cheng’s offensive performance in the lower tiers of the minor league system was notably impressive. In his first professional season with the FCL Pirates in 2021, he showcased his batting ability by posting a .312 average alongside a .449 on-base percentage and 31 RBIs in 38 games. The following year, he continued to impress in Low-A Bradenton, finishing with a solid .795 OPS. These statistics hinted at a bright future as he consistently contributed to his teams.
The 2023 season began promisingly for Cheng when he moved up to High-A Greensboro, where he thrived in the hitter-friendly environment of the South Atlantic League. In 57 games, he maintained an impressive .308 batting average with an OPS of .980, hitting 12 doubles, nine triples, and nine home runs. However, the subsequent promotion to Double-A Altoona proved to be a turning point, as he faced significant challenges. Cheng struggled to adapt, finishing the season with a disappointing .218 average and a .662 OPS over 126 games.
Despite the setbacks, Cheng displayed resilience. His strikeout rate increased to 23.4%, but he maintained a commendable walk rate of 12.2%, indicating his ability to get on base even amidst struggles. Late in the season, the Pirates gave him another opportunity by promoting him to Triple-A Indianapolis. There, Cheng found a glimmer of success, ending his season on a high note with a .462 batting average in six games, further proving his potential.
Looking ahead, Cheng’s place on the Pirates’ 40-man roster suggests that the organization still believes in his abilities. As he prepares for the 2025 season, there is optimism that he can overcome the challenges he faced in 2024. If Cheng can build on his promising finish at Triple-A, he might just find himself making an impact in Pittsburgh sooner rather than later.