Overview
- Tampa Bay announced the waiver claim on Thursday and did not need a corresponding move to complete it.
- The Pirates designated Cheng for assignment on Dec. 19 to clear space for players acquired in the deal that sent Lowe to Pittsburgh.
- Cheng has a minor-league option and only 10 days of MLB service time, allowing the Rays to option him to Triple-A or evaluate him for a role.
- The Rays’ middle infield remains unsettled, with Taylor Walls profiling at shortstop, Carson Williams competing, and Richie Palacios a tentative choice at second base.
- Signed by Pittsburgh out of Taiwan in 2019, Cheng debuted on April 9, 2025 as MLB’s 18th Taiwanese player and produced a .207/.305/.267 line with 20 steals in the minors last season.