Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50
The younger brother of Giants catching prospect Jin-De Jhang, Chang starred in international tournaments for Taiwan before signing with the Indians for $500,000 in 2013. He earned league all-star honors four times in his first five pro seasons despite perennially being young for his circuit, including being the youngest batting qualifier (age 22) in the Triple-A International League in 2018. Blocked at shortstop by Francisco Lindor in Cleveland, he boosted his stock by starring in the Arizona Fall League while playing third base.
Chang is atypical for a middle fielder in that his raw power might be his most impressive tool. He has a quick right-handed swing with good leverage and strength, and he has feel for backspinning the ball to all fields. His aggressive approach leads to doubles and home runs but also strikeouts, so he probably won't hit for a high average.
An average runner, Chang isn't a threat on the bases but gets the job done at shortstop. He has reliable hands, solid arm strength and a good internal clock. An average defender at short, he could be a solid third baseman with more experience and will see more time at second base as the Indians try to increase his versatility. Statcast - Batting Season Pitches Batted Balls Barrels Barrel % Exit Velocity Launch Angle XBA XSLG WOBA XWOBA XWOBACON Hard Hit % K % BB % 2019 336 51 3 5.9 87.9 9.9 .209 .370 .254 .301 .347 31.4 26.2 13.1 ALL 336 51 3 5.9 87.9 9.9 .209 .370 .254 .301 .347 31.4 26.2 13.1 MLB 40553 6.3 87.5 11.2 .251 .412 .317 .318 .371 34.5 21.7 8.3 Transactions Team Date Transaction 08/25/2019 Cleveland Indians recalled SS Yu Chang from Columbus Clippers. 06/30/2019 Cleveland Indians optioned SS Yu Chang to Columbus Clippers. 06/28/2019 Cleveland Indians recalled Yu Chang from Columbus Clippers. 06/18/2019 Columbus Clippers activated SS Yu Chang from the 7-day injured list. 04/30/2019 Columbus Clippers placed SS Yu Chang on the 7-day injured list. Left finger sprain. 04/25/2019 Columbus Clippers activated SS Yu Chang from the 7-day injured list. 04/18/2019 Columbus Clippers placed SS Yu Chang on the 7-day injured list. Left finger sprain. 03/11/2019 Cleveland Indians optioned SS Yu Chang to Columbus Clippers. 10/02/2018 Cleveland Indians recalled SS Yu Chang from Columbus Clippers. 03/30/2018 SS Yu Chang assigned to Columbus Clippers from Akron RubberDucks. 03/09/2018 Cleveland Indians optioned SS Yu Chang to Akron RubberDucks. 11/20/2017 Cleveland Indians selected the contract of Yu Chang from Akron RubberDucks. 04/01/2017 SS Yu-Cheng Chang assigned to Akron RubberDucks. 02/27/2017 SS Yu-Cheng Chang assigned to Cleveland Indians. 08/23/2016 Lynchburg Hillcats activated SS Yu-Cheng Chang from the 7-day disabled list. 08/11/2016 Lynchburg Hillcats placed SS Yu-Cheng Chang on the 7-day disabled list. 04/05/2016 SS Yu-Cheng Chang assigned to Lynchburg Hillcats from Lake County Captains. 03/07/2016 SS Yu-Cheng Chang assigned to Cleveland Indians. 08/18/2015 Lake County Captains activated SS Yu-Cheng Chang from the 7-day disabled list. 08/06/2015 Lake County Captains placed SS Yu-Cheng Chang on the 7-day disabled list. 06/27/2015 Lake County Captains activated SS Yu-Cheng Chang from the 7-day disabled list. 06/10/2015 Lake County Captains placed SS Yu-Cheng Chang on the 7-day disabled list. 04/06/2015 SS Yu-Cheng Chang assigned to Lake County Captains from AZL Indians. 03/05/2015 SS Yu-Cheng Chang assigned to Cleveland Indians. 06/20/2014 SS Yu-Cheng Chang assigned to AZL Indians. 06/03/2013 Cleveland Indians signed free agent SS Yu Chang to a minor league contract.
