Hao-Yu Lee Debuts for Detroit Tigers as 19th Taiwanese MLB Player

Detroit Tigers prospect Li Hao-yu is poised to make his Major League Baseball debut, potentially becoming the 19th Taiwanese player to reach the big leagues and the first Taiwanese position player in Tigers history.

The 23-year-old infielder, known for his power-hitting ability, has been called up from Triple-A Toledo after filling a roster vacancy created by an injury to utility player Zach McKinstry. Li, who signed with the Philadelphia Phillies organization for a $500,000 bonus in 2021 before being traded to the Tigers prior to the 2023 deadline, has shown steady progression through Detroit’s farm system.

In 2024, Li appeared in 126 games for Triple-A Toledo, recording 579 plate appearances with a .243/.342/.406 slash line and a career-high 14 home runs, earning a spot on the Tigers’ 40-man roster. This season, he began on the injured list due to a mild oblique strain sustained during World Baseball Classic preparation but returned to action after rehabilitation assignments.

Li’s recent performance includes four hits, including a home run, in his last six Triple-A games. His promotion comes as the Tigers seek to bolster their infield depth amid ongoing injuries to McKinstry, who has dealt with multiple ailments.

According to reports from Pingzhen High School’s pitching coach, Li is expected to make his first start against the Boston Red Sox on Friday, April 18, 2026, batting eighth and playing third base. If confirmed, he would join Zheng Zong-zhe as the 19th Taiwanese player to appear in an MLB game and turn into the seventh Taiwanese position player to reach the major leagues.

The Tigers organization has not yet issued an official announcement, and Li’s representatives have stated that any confirmation will come directly from the team. MLB’s official transaction log has not reflected the move as of the latest reports.