Tsung-Che Cheng Bio
Tsung-Che Cheng is a Taiwanese professional baseball infielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB). He signed with the Pirates as an international free agent in 2019 and made his MLB debut in 2025. Cheng is known for his agility on the field and his potential as a rising star in the sport.
Early Life and Background
Tsung-Che Cheng was born on July 26, 2001, in Jiuru, Pingtung County, Taiwan. He is the younger of two sons in his family, raised by a truck driver and a homemaker. Cheng began playing baseball at a young age, around five years old, and was inspired by Taiwanese baseball star Chien-Ming Wang, which initially led him to aspire to become a pitcher. His early exposure to the sport laid the foundation for his future career in baseball. Cheng attended Pu-Men High School, where he honed his skills and showcased his talent on the field.
Path to Baseball
In July 2019, Cheng signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent for a signing bonus of $380,000. His journey to professional baseball began after he completed high school, where he had already made a name for himself as a promising player. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he did not play in any games during the 2020 season, but he continued to train and prepare for his professional debut. Cheng made his professional debut with the Florida Complex League Pirates in 2021, where he played various infield positions, including second base, third base, and shortstop.
Tsung-Che Cheng Career
Early Career (2021-2022)
Cheng’s early career in the minor leagues saw him making significant strides in his development as a player. In 2021, he played for the Florida Complex League Pirates and gained valuable experience on the field. The following year, he joined the Bradenton Marauders, where he played shortstop more frequently. Cheng had an impressive season, appearing in 104 games and achieving a batting average of .270, along with a .376 on-base percentage and a .794 on-base plus slugging percentage. He led the Florida State League in triples and runs scored, showcasing his speed and ability to get on base.
Breakthrough (2023-2025)
Cheng’s breakthrough came in 2023 when he was ranked thirtieth on MLB Pipeline’s list of top Pirates prospects. He began the season with the Greensboro Grasshoppers and later made his Double-A debut with the Altoona Curve. Throughout the 2024 season, Cheng continued to excel, achieving a career-high in triples and earning recognition as one of the top prospects in the Pirates organization. On November 14, 2023, he was added to the Pirates’ 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. Cheng was promoted to the major leagues on April 7, 2025, following an injury to teammate Jared Triolo. He made his MLB debut on April 9, 2025, against the St. Louis Cardinals, becoming the 18th Taiwanese player in MLB history.
Notable Works and Milestones
Cheng’s signature moment came during his MLB debut, where he made history as a Taiwanese player in the league. Although his rookie campaign saw limited success, he demonstrated his potential and determination to grow as a player.
Tsung-Che Cheng Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Tsung-Che Cheng has been recognized for his achievements in the minor leagues, particularly during his time with the Bradenton Marauders and Altoona Curve.
Tsung-Che Cheng Awards Won
While specific awards won have not been detailed, Cheng’s performance in the minor leagues, including leading in various statistical categories, highlights his talent and contributions to his teams.
Tsung-Che Cheng Family
Tsung-Che Cheng is married to Irene, whom he met in elementary school. The couple started dating after high school, and their relationship has been a significant part of Cheng’s personal life.
Personal Life
Cheng is known by the nickname “Z,” which is derived from the pinyin of his name, Zhèng Zōng Zhé. His journey from a young boy playing baseball in Taiwan to a professional player in Major League Baseball reflects his dedication and passion for the sport.
