Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Athletics #24 prospect in 2025
  BA Grade/Risk: 45/High.
  
  Track Record: Zhuang pitched for Taiwan in the U-23 Baseball World Cup before the Athletics signed him at 21 years old in November 2021. He has pitched sparingly as a professional because of a series of arm injuries. Zhuang was healthier in 2024 and emerged as one of the organization’s more effective lower-level pitchers before a promotion to Double-A Midland. He accrued a 2.09 ERA and 84 strikeouts to 12 walks over 86 innings between three levels before he was placed on the injured list on Aug. 31, which ended his season.
  
  Scouting Report: Zhuang presents hitters a deep arsenal. He shows an unusual ability to add and subtract from a fastball that ranged between 88-95 mph and topped out at 97. He relies heavily on his four-seamer, which plays well at the top of the zone because of his below-average release height. He throws it with pinpoint command, landing it in the zone nearly 75% of the time. Zhuang also throws a mid-70s curveball, low-80s slider, low-80s changeup and a low-80s splitter. The changeup is particularly efficient and gave lower-level hitters fits. Zhuang’s lack of a true plus secondary and his injury history raise concerns.
  
  The Future: Zhuang’s fastball-changeup combination and impressive command are interesting building blocks. He’ll need to prove his arsenal holds up against more savvy hitters—and that he can hold up over a full season.
  
  Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 45 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 55 | Split: 45 | Control: 60.