The Taiwan Turnaround: 5 Key Details Of Jackson Stephens’ CPBL Contract And Career Shift

The landscape of professional baseball is constantly shifting, and one of the most intriguing recent moves involves veteran right-handed pitcher Jackson Stephens, who made the significant decision to leave a Major League Baseball organization for an opportunity overseas. As of late 2025, Stephens officially signed a contract in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) in Taiwan, a move that signals both a new chapter in his career and a major boost for his new team, the Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions. This transition, which saw him released from the Atlanta Braves' Triple-A affiliate, highlights the growing global appeal of the CPBL and the competitive draw of guaranteed roles for established American pitchers.

The contract, while not publicly detailed in exact salary figures, represents a substantial commitment from the Uni-Lions to acquire a pitcher with recent MLB experience and a strong Triple-A track record. His signing is a crucial roster move for the Uni-Lions as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 season, securing a reliable arm to bolster their pitching staff and compete for the CPBL championship. This article dives deep into the particulars of his career and the implications of his new deal in the vibrant Taiwanese baseball scene.

Jackson Stephens: A Complete Professional Baseball Biography

Jackson Tanner Stephens is an American professional baseball pitcher known for his versatility, having served as both a starting pitcher and a long reliever throughout his career. His journey through professional baseball is a classic example of a determined player who worked his way up the minor leagues to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

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• Full Name: Jackson Tanner Stephens
• Born: May 11, 1994 (Age 31 as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Oxford, Alabama, United States
• Height: 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
• Weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
• Bats/Throws: Right/Right
• Draft History: Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 18th Round (562nd overall) of the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft.
• MLB Debut: July 1, 2017, for the Cincinnati Reds.
• MLB Career Summary (Reds & Braves): Appeared in 83 games, including 5 starts, posting a 7-7 win-loss record with a career earned run average (ERA) of 4.15 over 132.1 innings pitched.
• Most Recent Team (USA): Atlanta Braves organization (Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers).
• Current Team (Taiwan): Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions (CPBL).
• CPBL Debut: Expected in the latter half of the 2025 season or the beginning of the 2026 season.

Stephens spent the majority of the 2025 season with the Atlanta Braves' Triple-A affiliate, the Gwinnett Stripers, where he delivered a remarkably strong performance. Prior to his release, he had posted a stellar 2.57 ERA, demonstrating that he still possesses the quality and control to be a dominant force on the mound. This high-level performance is precisely what attracted the CPBL to his services.

The Uni-President Lions Deal: From Triple-A to Taiwan's CPBL

The decision for Jackson Stephens to sign in Taiwan was a calculated career move, prioritizing a guaranteed major league role over the uncertainty of a Triple-A spot with the Atlanta Braves. The news broke in mid-2025 that the Braves had released him specifically to allow him to pursue a contract in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL). This mechanism is common for players seeking a guaranteed contract overseas, as it provides them with immediate financial and professional stability.

Stephens signed with the Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions, one of the most storied and successful franchises in the CPBL. The team, often simply called the Uni-Lions, is based in Tainan and competes at the Tainan Municipal Baseball Stadium. The signing instantly elevated the profile of the Uni-Lions' foreign player contingent, which also includes other notable international pitchers such as Yohander Méndez, Brock Dykxhoorn, Félix Peña, and Cam Alldred.

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His arrival is expected to immediately fill a crucial role, likely as a high-leverage reliever or a rotational starter, utilizing his experience from major league pressure situations. The CPBL is known for its passionate, high-energy fan base and competitive play, making it a demanding yet rewarding environment for international players.

Financial and Career Implications of the CPBL Contract

While the specific financial terms of Jackson Stephens' contract with the Uni-President Lions remain undisclosed—a common practice in the CPBL—we can infer a highly lucrative deal based on the league's standard for pitchers with MLB experience. The CPBL offers a significant financial incentive for established foreign talent, often eclipsing the salaries available in Triple-A.

The typical salary for a foreign player in the CPBL, particularly a pitcher, starts at around $20,000 per month. Given Stephens' recent MLB service time and his impressive 2.57 ERA in Triple-A, his contract is likely at the top end of the starting range, potentially in the $25,000 to $35,000 per month range, or even a higher annual sum. Some veteran foreign players in the league have contracts that can reach up to $800,000 per year, depending on their performance and tenure.

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The career implications are equally significant. For Stephens, the move offers:

• Guaranteed Role: Unlike the MLB system, where a player can be called up or sent down at any moment, a CPBL foreign player contract guarantees a major league role for the duration of the deal.
• High-Leverage Opportunity: He will be a key component of the Uni-Lions' championship aspirations, providing a chance to pitch in high-pressure games and build a strong international résumé.
• Showcase for Future Contracts: Excellent performance in the CPBL can serve as a springboard, either for a return to MLB on a more substantial deal or for lucrative contracts in other top Asian leagues, such as Japan's NPB or South Korea's KBO.

The CPBL: A Growing Destination for Ex-MLB Talent

The Chinese Professional Baseball League has become an increasingly popular destination for American and international players seeking a high-quality, stable professional environment outside of North America. The league's competitive nature, coupled with the opportunity to be a star player on a major team, makes it an attractive proposition.

The Uni-Lions, in particular, are known for successfully integrating foreign talent into their system. Stephens’ signing is part of a broader trend where teams are investing heavily in experienced pitchers to gain a competitive edge. His arrival will not only improve the Uni-Lions' chances but also raise the overall level of play in the league, benefiting the development of local Taiwanese players.

The move represents a major cultural and professional shift for Stephens, trading the familiar routines of the American minor league system for the intensity and spotlight of Taiwan's top baseball league. Fans of the Uni-President Lions are eagerly anticipating his debut, hoping his veteran presence and electric arm will be the final piece of the puzzle for a championship run.