Veteran right-handed reliever Sung Chia-Hao will not be returning to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles for the 2027 season, as the 34-year-old Taiwanese pitcher was officially placed on Nippon Professional Baseball’s (NPB) free-agent list.
2026 Season: Injury Setbacks and Recovery
The 2026 campaign was a challenging one for Sung. After undergoing right knee meniscus surgery in early 2025, he spent much of the past two seasons battling back to full health. Despite a grueling rehabilitation process, limited top-team (Ichi-Gun) opportunities restricted his impact on the Eagles’ bullpen in 2026.
| Metric | 2026 Season Overview |
|---|---|
| Status | Rehabilitation / Farm Team (Minor) duties |
| Primary Challenge | Recovery from early 2025 knee surgery |
| NPB Status | Non-tendered / Unconditional Release |
A Decadelong Legacy in Sendai (2016–2026)
Sung first joined Rakuten in 2016 as a developmental (ikusei) player from Taiwan. Through sheer work ethic and a heavy fastball-slider combination, he earned a spot on the main roster and evolved into one of the most reliable high-leverage bullpen setup men in Eagles history. Over his long tenure in Sendai, Sung surpassed 300 NPB appearances, securing over 100 career holds and serving as a key bridge to the closer.
| Metric | NPB Career Totals with Rakuten |
|---|---|
| Tenure | 2016 – 2026 (11 Seasons) |
| Games Pitched | 300+ appearances |
| Career Holds | 100+ Holds |
| Key Role | 7th/8th Inning Setup Specialist |
Free-Agent Status and Future Outlook
“As Rakuten initiates a youthful roster reshuffle for 2027, the club opted not to offer a new contract, officially granting Sung his free agency.”
Now a free agent, the veteran Taiwanese right-hander brings wealth of high-leverage relief experience. Potential options for his next career chapter include:
- CPBL (Taiwan): A high-profile return to Taiwan’s professional league, where he remains a highly respected national icon.
- Other NPB Clubs: Signing with another Japanese franchise in need of proven, veteran bullpen leadership.
- International Leagues: Exploring opportunities across other Asian circuits or international tournaments.
