| Marek Chlup | |
| Team: | Yomiuri Giants |
| Number: | 037 |
| Position: | Outfielder |
| Birth Date: | 9 January 1999 |
| Birth Place: | Český Dub, Czech Republic |
| Bats: | Right |
| Throws: | Right |
| Debutleague: | MLB |
| Statleague: | MLB |
Marek Chlup (born January 9, 1999) is a Czech professional baseball outfielder for the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He also represents the Czech Republic national team.
Chlup committed to the North Carolina State University for college baseball, playing his freshman and sophomore seasons with the Wolfpack. He transferred to North Greenville University for his junior season, the year the team won the NCAA Division II national championship in 2022.[1] In their 2022 championship season, Chlup hit .390 with 12 home runs and 75 RBI for the Crusaders.[2] He was named the Conference Carolinas Player of the Year for 2022.[3]
On July 31, 2023, Chlup signed with the Lake Country DockHounds of the American Association of Professional Baseball.[4] In 34 games with the DockHounds in 2023, he batted .325/.393/.627 with nine home runs, 25 RBI, and six stolen bases.[5] Chlup signed an extension with the DockHounds on January 2, 2024.[6] On August 7, Chlup, Lake Country shortstop Demetrius Sims, and team broadcaster Dominic Stearn witnessed a bicycle accident near Falls Park, and cared for the victims until paramedics arrived.[7]
On September 25, 2024, it was announced that Chlup had signed a one–year developmental contract with the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball.[8]
Chlup represents the Czech Republic national baseball team in international competition. During the qualifiers for the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Chlup hit .353/.353/.706 with 2 home runs and 4 RBIs to help the Czech Republic qualify for its first ever WBC tournament.[9] In the main tournament, Chlup hit .333/.471/.417, one of the best offensive producers on the 2023 Czech team alongside Eric Sogard and Matěj Menšík.[10] During the game against Japan, Chlup hit a double off Rōki Sasaki and later scored to give the Czechs a brief lead.[11]
Chlup was selected to the Team Europe roster for the Global Baseball Games exhibition tournament against Samuari Japan, ahead of the 2024 WBSC Premier12.[12]