As the 2025 season continues, an interesting story has emerged from the Atlanta Braves being handed the opportunity to host this year's MLB All-Star Game. Tsai Qichang, the president of the Chinese Professional Baseball League, will be in attendance at the annual event to personally meet with a certain Braves outfielder.
According to Taiwan's Liberty Times News, Tsai is planning to use his time in Atlanta to invite Braves outfielder Stuart Fairchild, as well as Arizona Diamondbacks OF Corbin Carroll, "to play for the Taiwanese team next year."
The potential honor comes a few months after Fairchild told Focus Taiwan that he'd love to represent his mother's Taiwanese heritage.
"I think that's something I'd like to do," Fairchild admitted. "I don't want to give a confirmed yes at this point (because) a lot can happen between now and then."
Much to his delight, it looks like the Braves outfielder will get his wish.
Stuart Fairchild Will Be Handed an Exciting Opportunity During Atlanta's MLB All-Star Week
International honors are usually reserved for baseball's elite talent, meaning this is a cool opportunity for Fairchild, who is far from among the league's elite.
Fairchild is hitting .156 with two RBIs, two stolen bases, and a pair of walks in 20 games (32 at-bats) with Atlanta, primarily being used as a pinch runner and defensive replacement. As Atlanta's offense gets healthier and Eli White joins the bench unit, it is likely going to lessen already sparse playing time for the outfielder.
Fairchild, 29, was added to Atlanta's roster in an early-season trade with the Cincinnati Reds. Before the emergence of Alex Verdugo and Eli White, there was some belief, perhaps, that Fairchild could factor into the Braves' starting options. Unfortunately, things haven't gone as smoothly as the club and player hoped.
When Jurickson Profar returns at the end of June, it is going to prompt a difficult decision for the Braves front office. Of the team's current options, it seems Fairchild or Luke Williams would be the most likely pieces to be demoted.
Considering Fairchild's struggles at the plate, it wouldn't be a shock to see the team move on at some point this season. Even if Profar's arrival demotes Williams, the team is likely going to be active ahead of the trade deadline, looking to make notable improvements both to the bullpen and to what has been a frustratingly inconsistent lineup.
This helps drive home what a unique opportunity Fairchild has been presented with and why the outfielder should take full advantage of the global stage. It is a great side story as well to what will be an exciting week for the Braves, which is long overdue.
The question remains, however, whether or not Fairchild will still be in Atlanta when the event takes place.