Czech National Team star Marek Chlup signed a minor league contract with the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
"They saw me when we played in Japan at the World Baseball Classic. Since then, they've been following me, though I wasn't aware of it. They secretly flew out to see me. The offer came out of nowhere, and I had only a few weeks to plan. This opportunity might not come again, so I took it," commented Chlup.
"I had no idea that something like this could happen. Two seasons had passed since the World Baseball Classic, and out of nowhere, a scout from the Giants called me, saying they wanted to meet and would likely offer me a contract," added Chlup. "The Giants are
one of the biggest organisations in Japan. Unlike most, they have two farm teams, and I'll start at the lowest level. My goal will be to work my way up to the top team."
The Giants compete in NPB's Central League and are currently in first place with a 73-57 record and a two-game lead over the defending Japan Series champions Hanshin Tigers.
"The plan is to finish the season in Japan with the Giants' third team," said Chlup on a final note. "After completing the program with the national team, I'll return to the Giants and likely attend a camp for their top talents in Miyazaki."
The Czech National Team will play exhibition games against World No. 1 Japan and No. 3 Chinese Taipei ahead of the WBSC Premier12 2024 presented by RAXUS, which takes place from 9-24 November.
Marek Chlup was born in 1999 in Turnov (Czechia). A power-hitting outfielder and first baseman, he played collegiate baseball in the United States for the North Carolina State University and the North Greenville University, recording double figures in home runs in the 2021, 2022 and 2023 seasons.
After competing in the Coastal Plain and Conference Carolinas Summer Leagues, he signed for the Lake Country DockHounds in the independent Americas Association. He appeared in 114 games over two seasons, combining 16 home runs and 68 RBIs.
Chlup is regarded as one of the best hitters in Czech baseball history and has starred for the National Team at the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup, the European Championship and the World Baseball Classic 2023. He represented Europe at the Global Baseball Games 2024.
