Wei-Chung Wang

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #6 prospect in 2015
  Rule 5 draft picks don't often make prospect lists the year after their restrictions are lifted, but Wang is an exception. His initial contract with the Pirates had been voided--he required Tommy John surgery--leaving him eligible for the Rule 5 draft in 2013 when the Pirates didn't add him to the 40-man roster. Pittsburgh didn't envision any other team taking Wang to the big leagues, but the Brewers did exactly that in 2014 while pitching him 14 times. Brewers scouts who saw Wang pitch in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in 2013 were impressed with his command, poise and arm. The wiry lefty throws his fastball in the 91-93 mph range and touches 95 at times. He has an outstanding changeup that makes him effective against righthanders and a solid curveball as well, giving him the repertoire to be a successful starter. Those pitches, combined with his control and calm demeanor on the mound convinced the Brewers to keep the 22-year-old Wang in spring training and try to get through the season with him.When he did pitch in the majors, he wasn't sharp and often was hit hard. After Wang spent the requisite 90 days on the active roster to satisfy his Rule 5 restriction, he was shut down with a tight shoulder and later sent on a minor league rehab assignment to work as a starter. He also started and pitched well in the Arizona Fall League (23 IP, 2 BB), and likely will pitch in high Class A Brevard County's 2015 rotation.
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  Ranked Pittsburgh Pirates #26 prospect in 2014
  The Pirates and Wang originally agreed to terms on a $350,000 bonus in 2011, a deal that got scuttled when a physical turned up a torn elbow ligament. Wang signed for a lower figure, had Tommy John surgery, then made a fine pro debut in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in 2013. Because he signed a new deal, the Pirates either had to protect him on the 40-man roster or expose him to the Rule 5 draft, and they chose not to protect him. He showed exceptional command of a three-pitch mix, effectively mixing his fastball, curveball and changeup. Wang's fastball gained velocity last season, going from 87-89 mph to 91-93 by his final start. His curveball is his preferred go-to weapon, and it flashes plus, giving both lefthanders and righthanders fits. Spring training will determine whether Wang moves to low Class A West Virginia or stays back in extended spring training and heads to short-season Jamestown.