TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Tampa Bay Rays made a move on Tuesday (Jan. 13) by designating Cheng Tsung-Che (鄭宗哲) and Osvaldo Bido for assignment. This decision followed the Rays' trade with the Atlanta Braves, aiming to clear space on their 40-man roster. Cheng is listed on the team Chinese Taipei for the World Baseball Classic.
Cheng, who joined the Rays on Jan. 8 after being designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates late last year, found himself removed from the roster once again. The Rays' recent acquisition of infielder Brett Wisely and left-handed pitcher Ken Waldichuk prompted this roster adjustment.
In the next seven days, the Rays can choose to trade Cheng or outright him to the minor leagues. However, having been outrighted once before, Cheng holds the right to refuse the assignment and become a free agent. At 24, Cheng made his major league debut with the Pirates in April 2025, going hitless in seven at-bats across three games.
Cheng received his first call-up to MLB last season, appearing in three games. He went hitless in seven at-bats with three strikeouts, and his first MLB hit has yet to come, with an overall OPS of .578. He represented the Chinese Taipei team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and has agreed to report to the national team on Jan. 15.
