Taichang Hawks Release Wilmer Font
The Venezuelan pitcher, a former SSG Landers champion, was let go after a short stint in the Chinese Professional Baseball League.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Baseball
The Taichang Hawks released pitcher Wilmer Font following a poor 2026 Chinese Professional Baseball League season, in which he posted a 5.73 ERA over four games. Font has since signed with Leones del Caracas in the Venezuelan Winter League.
Why it matters
Font's release marks a further decline in his professional career after a shoulder injury and a non-renewal from SSG Landers following the 2022 season. The move highlights the difficulty veteran pitchers face returning to Asian leagues after time away from the game.
Font posted a 5.73 ERA over four games with the Taichang Hawks, recording 14 strikeouts against five walks. He allowed 12 runs over 11 innings in two losses before his release.
The players
Wilmer Font
Venezuelan pitcher who was part of SSG Landers' first championship team and later faced a long shoulder recovery before his CPBL stint.
Taichang Hawks
Team in the Chinese Professional Baseball League based in Taiwan that released Font after the 2026 season.
Leones del Caracas
Venezuelan professional baseball club that signed Font for the Venezuelan Winter League.
The details
Font, a Venezuelan pitcher, joined the Taichang Hawks as a replacement player during the 2026 season after SSG Landers declined to renew his contract following 2022. He had previously undergone surgery for a right shoulder injury that took nearly two years to recover from, returning to pitch in Mexico in 2025.
Timeline
2022 season: SSG Landers did not renew Font's contract.
2025: Font returned to the mound and pitched in the Mexican League.
2026 season: Font joined and pitched for the Taichang Hawks before being released.
Winter 2026-27: Font plays for Leones del Caracas in the Venezuelan Winter League.
Season Trajectory
Font's release underscores how quickly fortunes can change for mid-tier pitchers moving between Asian leagues after injury. The move also reflects the recurring cycle in which Venezuelan players rebuild their value through winter league play.
Font's release means the Taichang Hawks will need to find another pitcher for their rotation. For fantasy and roster watchers, Font is now available on the Venezuelan Winter League circuit with Leones del Caracas.
The takeaway
Pitchers returning from major shoulder injuries often face a narrow window of opportunity, and Font's experience shows how quickly teams move on when results lag. Following winter league rosters offers a clear view of which players remain competitive.
Further reading
For broader context on pitcher movement across international leagues, see Baseball coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 조선일보.
