Felix Pena Joins Uni-Lions: A New Chapter in His Baseball Journey

Right-handed pitcher Felix Pena, who is set to celebrate his 35th birthday later this month, has officially signed with the Uni-Lions of Taiwan’s Chinese Professional Baseball League, according to reports from CPBL Stats. This move marks a significant milestone in Pena’s career as he transitions to international play, aiming to make an impact in a new league. Over the years, Pena has demonstrated resilience and skill, having started his journey in baseball as an international amateur with the Chicago Cubs, which has led him to this exciting opportunity in Taiwan.

A Journey from the Dominican Republic to Major League Baseball

Pena began his professional baseball journey when he signed with the Cubs out of the Dominican Republic. Making his pro debut back in 2009, he steadily advanced through the minor league system, showcasing his talent and determination. His MLB debut came in 2016 with the Chicago Cubs, where he made a notable impression in a limited timeframe. He posted a respectable 4.00 ERA (108 ERA+) over nine innings, striking out an impressive 37.1% of batters faced, showcasing his potential as a formidable pitcher at the major league level.

Facing Challenges: Struggles and Adjustments in the Major Leagues

In 2017, Pena faced challenges in his second stint with the Cubs, where he was unable to replicate his earlier success. Despite a 5.24 ERA (84 ERA+) in 34 1/3 innings, his experience was valuable. His struggles with an elevated 11.6% walk rate led the Cubs to designate him for assignment at the end of the season. Shortly after, he joined the Angels, where he found a more stable role as a starting pitcher during much of the 2018 season, achieving a commendable 4.18 ERA (101 ERA+) in nearly 93 innings pitched.

Resilience Through Setbacks: Pena’s 2019 Season and Recovery

Unfortunately, the 2019 season proved to be challenging for Pena. Despite a decent start with a 4.15 ERA, he struggled with control issues, allowing four home runs and seven walks in just 17 1/3 innings. Transitioning to a bulk role behind an opener initially showed promise, as he recorded a strong 3.03 ERA over his next seven outings. However, a disastrous June, where he posted a troubling 7.97 ERA, highlighted the ongoing struggles he faced. A torn ACL cut his season short, but he demonstrated resilience in his recovery.

Reviving His Career: Short Relief Role and Challenges in 2020

By late July 2020, after the pandemic shutdown, Pena returned to the mound with the Angels, albeit in a limited short relief role. He excelled in this capacity, achieving a solid 4.05 ERA (113 ERA+) over 26 2/3 innings, supported by a promising 3.00 FIP and a 25.2% strikeout rate. However, injuries continued to plague his career; a hamstring strain delayed his start to the 2021 season, and upon his return, he struggled significantly, leading to his assignment to the minor leagues.

A New Opportunity: Felix Pena Takes His Talents to Taiwan

After facing difficulties in both the major leagues and Triple-A during the 2021 season, Pena sought new opportunities and began the 2022 season with the Mets on a minor league deal. Eventually, he signed with the KBO’s Hanwha Eagles, where he played for three seasons, posting a respectable 3.98 ERA in 54 starts. However, a downturn in performance, culminating in a 6.27 ERA in his final nine KBO starts, led to his release in May. Now, Pena is set to embark on an exciting new chapter in Taiwan with the Uni-Lions, where he hopes to contribute significantly and utilize his experience to guide younger talent, following in the footsteps of former big leaguers Hector Perez and Logan Ondrusek.