Boston Red Sox Claim Taiwanese Infielder Off Waivers From Washington Nationals

In a fast-paced and ever-changing MLB offseason, the Boston Red Sox have made yet another move to strengthen their infield as they prepare for the 2026 season. This time, it’s the Taiwanese shortstop Tsung-Che Cheng, who was claimed off waivers from the Washington Nationals this past Friday. Cheng’s acquisition adds another layer of versatility to the Red Sox roster, as the team continues to address its infield depth heading into spring training.

While the move might not have the same headline-grabbing allure as the acquisitions of high-profile stars, it’s another example of how the Red Sox are strategically addressing their roster concerns in the final stretch before the season begins. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into Cheng’s journey, his potential impact on the Red Sox, and what this move means for the team’s overall infield situation in 2026.

Red Sox’s Continued Focus on Infield Depth

Earlier this week, the Red Sox added another key player to their infield by signing Isiah Kiner-Falefa to a one-year, $6 million contract. Kiner-Falefa, known for his ability to play multiple positions, bolstered the team’s defensive flexibility. His signing, along with the recent claim of Cheng, signals the Red Sox’s continued focus on building depth across the infield—an area that proved to be problematic in the 2025 season.

Despite the Kiner-Falefa move, the Red Sox had an open spot on the 40-man roster. With just under a week left before pitchers and catchers report to the team’s spring training complex in Fort Myers, Florida, it was clear that Boston needed to fill that spot. The team’s solution: adding Cheng from the Washington Nationals.

Cheng’s Rollercoaster Offseason

For Tsung-Che Cheng, this offseason has been a whirlwind, with him now joining his fifth team since December 2025. His journey this offseason paints a picture of how quickly things can change for a player in the MLB, especially when the roster churn is as intense as it’s been for Cheng.

Here’s a brief rundown of Cheng’s offseason:

• December 19, 2025: Cheng was designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

• January 7, 2026: The Tampa Bay Rays claimed Cheng off waivers, but just days later, he was DFA’d by Tampa Bay on January 12.

• January 16, 2026: The New York Mets claimed Cheng, only to DFA him on January 21.

• January 28, 2026: The Washington Nationals claimed Cheng, but he was designated for assignment again on January 30, just two days after his arrival.

Now, just days later, Cheng finds himself heading to Boston as the Red Sox’s latest infield acquisition.

Cheng’s MLB Experience: A Rough Start but Room to Grow

Cheng, a 24-year-old infielder, has had a limited presence in the MLB so far, with his major league debut coming in the 2025 season. During his brief time in the big leagues, he collected seven at-bats over three games, where he struggled significantly. Cheng failed to register a hit, striking out three times during his short stint.

However, this limited exposure hardly tells the whole story of Cheng’s potential. In the minors, he showcased flashes of the talent that has kept him in demand across multiple organizations.

In 2025, Cheng spent the majority of his time at Single-A and Triple-A, slashing .207/.305/.267 with a .572 OPS. His power numbers were modest, with 12 doubles, three triples, and just one home run. Still, his 20 stolen bases out of 28 attempts demonstrate his ability to contribute on the base paths, something that teams value highly in a utility infielder.

But it’s his 2023 season in the Pirates’ High-A and Double-A affiliates where Cheng truly flashed his potential. He slashed an impressive .278/.352/.456 with a solid .808 OPS, racking up 23 doubles, 10 triples, and 13 homers. He also drove in 56 RBIs and displayed solid plate discipline with a 10.5% walk rate. The promise he showed that season made him a highly coveted prospect, and despite his struggles in the majors, the Red Sox will be hoping they can help him tap into that upside.

What Cheng Brings to the Red Sox

The Red Sox’s acquisition of Cheng isn’t just about adding depth; it’s about versatility. Cheng is a player who can play multiple infield positions, giving manager Alex Cora the flexibility to move him around the diamond as needed. While his defense is still a work in progress, his ability to provide depth at shortstop and second base could prove invaluable over the course of a long season.

One of the most appealing aspects of Cheng’s skill set is his speed. With 20 stolen bases in the minors last year, he has the potential to make an impact as a base-stealer—a skill that could be especially useful in a pinch-running role. If he can improve upon his offensive consistency, his all-around game could make him a valuable asset for Boston in 2026.

Boston’s Infield Needs Heading Into 2026

As the Red Sox head into the 2026 season, their infield remains one of the team’s primary areas of focus. After missing out on Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette this offseason—both of whom signed with the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets, respectively—the team has worked to ensure they have adequate depth heading into the season. While their focus has been on the infield, Boston’s efforts to bolster their roster depth have been strategic, filling key gaps that were evident in the 2025 campaign.

With the addition of Isiah Kiner-Falefa, the Red Sox infield now boasts added versatility, and Cheng’s arrival further solidifies their depth. As the season progresses, it will be important to monitor how these players fit into Boston’s lineup and whether Cheng can carve out a regular role on the team.

Cheng’s Future in Boston

As the Red Sox finalize their preparations for the 2026 season, the team will be hoping that the addition of Tsung-Che Cheng brings a much-needed spark to their infield depth. While it remains to be seen how much playing time he will get in Boston, the Red Sox’s ability to find hidden gems like Cheng could prove to be a turning point for a franchise that is always looking to return to World Series glory.

Cheng’s journey through multiple organizations this offseason highlights how quickly fortunes can change in the MLB. Whether he becomes a consistent contributor or simply provides depth in the minors, his story is a reminder that every player’s journey can take unexpected turns, and this next chapter could be pivotal for his career.

As the season gets underway, Red Sox fans will have their eyes on how Tsung-Che Cheng fits into the team’s future—and whether his time in Boston becomes a success story that fans will remember for years to come.