Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 45 | Slider: 45 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 55 | Overall: 40

Signed by the A’s out of Chinese Taipei in November 2021 after playing in the U-23 Baseball World Cup, Zhuang is a bit of a late-bloomer, having signed at the age of 21. He bounced back from shoulder surgery by touching three levels in 2024, then spent last year at Double-A Midland, where he upped his workload further removed from the surgery to 28 games (26 starts) and 145 2/3 innings. Joining the A’s for big league camp this spring, Zhuang was selected to represent Team Chinese Taipei in the World Baseball Classic alongside fellow A’s prospects Wei-En Lin and Tzu-Chen Sha.

Zhuang leans heavily on his four-seam fastball that he can change speeds quite a bit with, throwing heaters that range anywhere from 86-96 mph, though it generally sits in the low-90s. His low-80s changeup has emerged as his best secondary pitch. He also brings a mid-70s curveball, low-80s slider and mixes in a low-80s splitter, providing a decent starter repertoire.

Zhuang, nicknamed ‘Z-Man’ within the organization, did a good job of staying healthy last season to silence some previous injury concerns. But while he has above-average command and enough pitches to remain a starter in the Minors, questions still remain about the effectiveness of his offspeed stuff, especially against higher competition, which could eventually lead to him switching to a bullpen role where his fastball can play up in shorter stints.

Scouting grades: Fastball: 45 | Curveball: 45 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 55 | Overall: 40

Zhuang signed with the A’s out of Taiwan in November 2021 after participating in the U-23 Baseball World Cup. On the older side as a 21-year-old at the time of his signing, he has risen through the system with success at each level. His 2024 campaign began at Single-A Stockton, went through High-A Lansing and ended at Double-A Midland. Across the three levels, he combined to post a 2.09 ERA in 23 games (15 starts) with 84 strikeouts and 12 walks over 86 innings. His surge through the organization helped him earn a spot on the Chinese Taipei roster for the WBC qualifiers this spring.

Zhuang relies heavily on his four-seam fastball, which can touch 95 mph but normally hovers in the 90-93 range. He also throws a low-80s split-finger offering with good diving action. His arsenal is rounded out by a low-80s slider, a mid-70s curveball with good bend and a low-80s changeup.

Zhuang does have a history of injuries, which brings some real concern as to whether he can hold up as a starter despite having the necessary pitch mix for the role. He can command it well, as evidenced by his low walk numbers. For now, the A’s are enjoying watching the rise of the man many in the organization have nicknamed ‘Z-Man.’ He is firmly on their prospect radar, and his age could actually help him move up quickly if the success continues.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	03/08/2026	Athletics optioned RHP Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang to Las Vegas Aviators.
	03/05/2026	RHP Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang assigned to Athletics Prospects.
	02/05/2026	Chinese Taipei activated RHP Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang.
	11/18/2025	Athletics selected the contract of RHP Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang from Midland RockHounds.
	03/06/2025	activated RHP Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang.
	02/03/2025	RHP Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang assigned to Chinese Taipei.
	01/17/2025	Athletics invited non-roster RHP Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang to spring training.
	10/02/2024	Midland RockHounds activated RHP Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang from the 7-day injured list.
	08/31/2024	Midland RockHounds placed RHP Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang on the 7-day injured list.
	07/30/2024	RHP Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang assigned to Midland RockHounds from Lansing Lugnuts.
	07/04/2024	Lansing Lugnuts activated RHP Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang from the temporarily inactive list.
	06/28/2024	Lansing Lugnuts placed RHP Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang on the temporarily inactive list.
	05/29/2024	RHP Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang assigned to Lansing Lugnuts from Stockton Ports.
	11/06/2023	Stockton Ports activated RHP Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang from the 60-day injured list.
	07/20/2023	Stockton Ports transferred RHP Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang from the 7-day injured list to the 60-day injured list.
	04/06/2023	Stockton Ports placed RHP Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang on the 7-day injured list.
	09/30/2022	Stockton Ports activated RHP Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang from the 7-day injured list.
	09/30/2022	Stockton Ports activated RHP Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang from the 7-day injured list.
	06/09/2022	Stockton Ports placed RHP Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang on the 7-day injured list.
	06/09/2022	Stockton Ports placed RHP Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang on the 7-day injured list.
	04/05/2022	RHP Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang assigned to Stockton Ports.
	11/24/2021	Oakland Athletics signed free agent RHP Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang to a minor league contract.