Lin was born in Hualien County, Taiwan. He helped his 12-and-under Bronco League team to the World Championship with a grand slam. He also has played with other Taiwan national teams, including the Junior World Championship squad in 2007. Lin was acquired by the Boston Red Sox as an international free agent in June 2007. He has put up solid numbers since joining the professional baseball ranks in the United States the same year, being rated as having the best outfield arm in the Boston minor league system, according to Baseball America. In 2010, Lin was selected as having the best strike-zone discipline, and the best defensive outfielder in Red Sox Top 10 Propspect Scouting Report . Basically a line-drive hitter, he makes good contact – quick, strong wrists – with average gap power, hitting well to all fields. Lin has also been recognized for his solid outfield skills, having good range, enough speed and a hard throwing arm. Lin played for the GCL Red Sox, Lowell Spinners of the New York–Penn League, Greenville Drive of the South Atlantic League, and Portland Sea Dogs in the Eastern League. He played for the Triple APawtucket Red Sox in the International League. In 2008, Lin was selected for the annual All-Star Futures Game. Lin hit a two-run home run on the first pitch he saw that helped the World team beat the US Team, 3–0. He finished 2-for-2 and was named the game's Most Valuable Player. In 2008, Lin ranked eighth in the Boston Red Sox prospects list. He also was selected to play in the Olympics for the Chinese Taipei baseball team. He was invited to spring training with the Boston Red Sox in 2010 and 2011. In, Lin was promoted to Triple-A and played with the Pawtucket Red Sox. To protect him from the Rule 5 draft, he was added to the 40-man roster on November 18, 2011 along with Drake Britton and Will Middlebrooks. On April 14, 2012, Lin was called up to replace the injured Jacoby Ellsbury. His 9th-inning appearance as a defensive replacement on April 14 made him the eighth player from Taiwan to play in a Major LeagueBaseball game. He was optioned back to Pawtucket after the game. Lin rejoined the Red Sox on May 20 to provide depth in the outfield, with injuries to Cody Ross, Ryan Sweeney and five others on the disabled list. On May 21, Lin recorded his first major league hit off Baltimore OriolespitcherTroy Patton. On October 17, 2012, the Red Sox announced that Lin was designated for assignment to make room for right-handed pitcher Sandy Rosario on the Sox's 40-man roster. On October 26, 2012, Lin was claimed off waivers by the Houston Astros. Lin signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers on December 15, 2013. The Rangers intended to use Lin as a pitcher. The Rangers released him after the 2014 season. After being released by the Rangers, Lin stated that he would no longer be playing baseball in North America.
