As the 2024 Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) season concluded and the playoff series set to begin, the league honored the top players with the 2024 CPBL Individual Awards. The awards are based on who performed the best in each statistical category. Who is who will be taking home some hardware for their trophy case:
ERA Title: Gu Lin Ruei-Yang (U-Lions)
Taking home the award for the ERA title is pitcher Gu Lin Ruei-Yang. The 24-year-old right hander pitched phenomenally in his sixth CPBL season with the U-Lions, going 10-2, an incredible 1.66 ERA in 21 starts, striking out 150 batters, while only walking 28 batters throwing in 125 innings. He will definitely be a pitcher to keep an eye out for during the playoff series between the U-Lions and Monkeys.
Most Wins & Strikeouts: Mario Sanchez (U-Lions)
U-Lions pitcher Mario Sanchez collected the most wins and strikeouts in the CPBL this season. Sanchez put together a 14-5 record, posting a 2.49 ERA in 26 starts, tossing two complete-games, striking out 167 batters in 159.1 innings of work. This is Sanchez’s second year with the U-Lions, joining during the 2023 season after spending a portion of the year with the Kia Tigers in the KBO. The 29-year-old Venezuelan also pitched in the Washington Nationals, Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins organizations from 2012-2022.
Most Saves: Chen Bo-Hao (Monkeys)
Collecting the most saves in the CPBL this year was closer, Chen Bo-Hao. In his first year joining the Rakuten Monkeys, the right-hander posted a 2-4 record in 52 games, recording a 2.39 ERA, picking up 29 saves, while striking out 38 batters in 52.2 innings. The Monkeys will look to him to help them out of tight situations as the playoff series gets underway.
Most HP: Wang Chih-Husan (Monkeys)
Picking up the most holds as a reliever was southpaw Wang Chih-Husan. He picked up 31 holds for the Monkeys, while pitching to a 1-1 record, an insane 1.49 ERA in 58 appearances, punching out 21 batters in 41.2 innings. The Monkeys will also look towards Wang in the backend of their bullpen during the playoffs.
Batting Champ: Lin Li (Monkeys)
Taking home the batting title in the CPBL is well-established veteran infielder Lin Li. The 28-year old hit .353 in 86 games this season, hitting five home runs, and driving in 34 RBIs. Although he missed some time this season, he was still able to become the batting champ. Lin also represented Chinese Taipei during the World Baseball Classic in 2023.
Most Hits: Chou Chih-Cheng (U-Lions)
Tallying the most hits in the CPBL this year was U-Lions outfielder Chou Chih-Cheng. In his fourth professional season, Chou collected a league-leading 145 hits in 445 at-bats this season. Along with that, he hit .326 on the season, hitting four home runs and drove in 63 RBIs. The 23-year-old outfielder also stole 13 bases for the season.
HR & RBI King: Steven Moya (Hawks)
In his first year playing in Taiwan, Puerto Rican outfielder and first-baseman Steven Moya hit the most home runs and drove in the most RBI’s in the 2024 CPBL season. The former Detroit Tigers hit 30 home runs, along with a league-leading 99 RBIs, while hitting for a .294 average. Unfortunately, Moya’s Hawks finished in last place in the CPBL standings.
Most SB: Chen Chen-Wei (Monkeys)
Swiping the most bases in the CPBL this year was Monkeys Chen Chen-Wei. The outfielder stole 30 bases in 119 games played this season. Along with his impressive speed, he also hit a career-high ten home runs, along with a career-high in RBIs with 54, while hitting for a .296 average. The 26-year-old is in his seventh season in the CPBL.
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TAOYUAN, TAIWAN – APRIL 02: Li Lin #39 of Rakuten Monkeys hits a double In the bottom of the 1st inning during the CPBL game between Fubon Guardians and Rakuten Monkeys at Taoyuan International Baseball Stadium on April 02, 2023 in Taoyuan, Taiwan. (Photo by Gene Wang/Getty Images)
