Rakuten Monkeys fail to reach postseason after defending title

Defending champions Rakuten Monkeys have failed to qualify for the postseason following the conclusion of the regular season. This marks a significant decline for the team, which won the Taiwan Series last year by defeating CTBC Brothers 4-1.

Head coach Tseng Hao-chu publicly apologized to fans after the team's 120th regular-season game, taking full responsibility for the team failing to meet the minimum threshold for the playoffs. Tseng noted that while the first half of the season was subpar, the team regained competitiveness in the second half as players returned from injury, though they ultimately fell short in the final stages.

Team captain Liang Chia-jung expressed gratitude to the supporters and committed to using the off-season to prepare for a stronger performance in future seasons.