KIA failed to renew contract → Shock cannabis-trained pitcher has already succeeded in re-employment

Mar 12, 2025

Image announcing the recruitment of Daniel Mengden. Photo =Tecolotes de los dos Laredos Official SNS

Daniel Mengden, who was kicked out of the Taiwanese league due to a positive test for cannabis in shock, has found a new team.

Mengden, who was born in 1993, played in the KBO League by signing with the KIA Tigers in the 2021 season while continuing his major league challenge. He left an 8-3 record with a 3.60 ERA in 21 games that year, but failed to renew his contract. Mengden, who returned to the U.S. by signing with the Kansas City Royals, has played in Taiwan since the 2024 season.

His performance in Taiwan was impressive. Last year, he started 25 games and played 154 innings in the CPBL, posting a 10-3 record with a 2.86 ERA. Above all, the joy was greater as Jungshin of his team won the championship. The Jungshin club sought to renew the contract with Mengden again this year, but variables occurred after joining the spring camp.

Daniel Mengden who played for Kia. Sports Chosun DB

The Jungshin club sought to renew contracts with foreign players who helped them win their 10th championship last year after the end of the 2024 season on the 5th, but Mengden failed to pass the team's internal drug test in the team's spring camp. This terminated the contract with Mengden in accordance with the team's internal regulations. Thank you for your contribution to the team last season, and I wish you all the best for your baseball career going forward" he said.

According to Taiwanese media, Mengden failed to pass the club's regular drug test due to a positive test for cannabis. In Taiwan, cannabis is classified as a second-class drug. Taiwan 'CPBL Stat' predicted that "Mengden is likely to be banned for life from the CPBL", but 'ET TODAY' has not yet received a permanent ban because Mengden was not yet registered in the league", he explained.

Menden.Sports Chosun DB

Mengden, who had been continuing his active career in Taiwan after failing to renew his contract, actually left the Asian league.

And quickly found a new team. The Mexican league team 'Tecolotes de los dos Laredos' has played in the professional league for 13 seasons on the 12th, and Mengden, who played in the big league, joined our team. We welcome you,' he said, officially announcing the recruitment.

The team is based in Nuevo Laredo in the Northern League of Mexico. Mengden, who left Asia in disgrace, continued her career in Mexico.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.