Tampa Bay Rays 2016 Top 10 Prospects: Where Are They Now?

7. Chih-Wei Hu

Chih-Wei Hu signed out of Taiwan in August of 2012 by the Minnesota Twins and rocketed through the minor league system. He sported a 2.45 ERA at age 19 in Rookie Ball in 2013. He took his Rookie Ball dominance to a new level in 2014 with a 1.69 ERA through 16 innings. The Twins promoted him up to Class-A where he pitched to a 2.29 ERA in 55.0 innings.

In 2015 it was more of the same from Hu as he posted a 3.22 ERA in 109.0 total innings. He was traded to the Rays along with Alexis Tapia in exchange for Kevin Jepsen on July 31, 2015. He would get one start in AAA-Rochester that season before getting shipped to Tampa Bay.

In 2016, he would begin the season in AA-Mongtomery and continue to do what he does. Hu made 24 starts for the Biscuits and registered a 2.59 ERA in 142.2 innings. He would make one start in Triple-A in 2016 as well. He was selected to the 2016 All-Star Futures game. He was added to the Rays 40-man roster that offseason.

In 2017, he continued to find success, this time in AAA-Durham. He would make his major league debut with the big club on April 24 against the Baltimore Orioles. In 10 major league innings with the Rays, he gave up only three earned runs. At the Triple-A level, he pitched 61.2 innings with the Bulls he had a 3.06 ERA.

What Happened?

In 2018, he would have his worst professional season to that point. He posted a 4.66 ERA in 102.1 innings at AAA-Durham. He would receive 13.0 more major league innings with the Rays in ’18. Following the season the Rays traded him to the Indians. He was released by the Indians on July 30 of last season. He had a brief run with the Cubs and is currently signed to a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres.

It’s hard to believe how quickly things fell apart for Hu. The Rays must have spotted something in that 2018 season because he hasn’t stuck anywhere since then.