Former Oakland A’s pitcher Felix Doubront is heading to Taiwan in his latest attempt to resurrect his career, as he has signed with the Uni-President Lions.
There was a time when Felix Doubront appeared to have a future in the majors. While he was not top of the rotation material, he appeared capable of being a solid fourth or fifth starter, someone that could take the ball every fifth day and provide five or six solid innings. He was exactly that for the Red Sox in 2012 and 2013, and appeared set to solidify himself as a decent option as a starter.
However, Doubront injured his shoulder in 2014 when it was hit on a car door. He bounced around at that point, being traded to the Cubs before he was released. Doubront signed with the Blue Jays for the 2015 season, and was purchased by the A’s. After finishing out the season in the majors, he then missed 2016 due to Tommy John surgery.
The 2017 season was spent in the A’s system, pitching for the Nashville Sounds. He then began his foreign league journey, spending time in the KBO and the Mexican Leagues in 2018 and 2019. That odyssey is set to continue in a new country in 2021, as Doubront has signed with the Uni-President Lions of the Chinese Professional Baseball League.
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He has displayed some signs that he is healthy once again and could be a useful pitcher. During his time in the Venezuelan and Mexican Winter Leagues this offseason, he has posted a 2.56 ERA and a 1.154 WHiP over his 56.1 innings, striking out 56 batters with 18 walks. That type of performance is bound to attract some attention.
It is entirely possible that Doubront could parlay success in the CPBL to an opportunity elsewhere in 2022. While the CPBL is not nearly on par with the KBO or NPB, there are several former major leaguers that have come through the league in recent years. It is a chance for Doubront to start the long road back.
At 33 years old, time is running out for Doubront to make an impact upon a major league roster. He can, however, still put together a solid career overseas. The first step to restarting that journey will begin in Taiwan.
Former Oakland A’s pitcher Felix Doubront has resurfaced. He will spend the 2021 season pitching for the Uni-President Lions.