The CTBC Brothers have officially launched their 2026 campaign with a bold shift in philosophy, prioritizing sports science and psychological resilience as they chase a historic milestone: three consecutive seasons of 70 wins.
A New Era of “Smart Training”
Breaking away from the traditional “hard work wins all” mentality prevalent in Taiwanese baseball, the Brothers implemented a strategic overhaul during the off-season. The team extended their break until February, a move backed by a high level of confidence in autonomous training and modern sports science. This approach proved effective, with players reporting they arrived at spring training in Pingtung’s China Trust Public Welfare Park feeling stronger and less fatigued.
Captain Wang Wei-chen, now serving as captain for a record-breaking sixth consecutive year, exemplified this success. The 34-year-old veteran stated that his physical condition is currently at its career peak, with testing data surpassing his younger years thanks to periodic planning and the assistance of training specialists.
Global Influence and Cultural Shifts
Manager Hirano Keiichi is fostering a culture of “openness” and “science.” To elevate the team’s technical and mental game, Hirano utilized his personal network to bring in KBO legend “Busan Giant” Lee Dae-ho as a guest coach. The team also sent players and coaches to the U.S. And Japan for study sessions, while bringing in legends like Kudoh Kimiyasu for guidance.
Hirano has also focused on bridging the gap with his players through unique methods, such as sharing “Akafuku” sweets with vice-captain Lu Yen-ching to establish a more approachable communication style. Comparing himself to a “farmer,” Hirano acknowledged that while plans don’t always go as expected—joking that he might have “watered the plants too much”—he is determined to observe his efforts bloom in the 2026 season.
Turning Heartbreak into Motivation
The drive for the 2026 season is fueled by the sting of last year’s loss in the Taiwan Series to the Rakuten Monkeys. During the February 2 opening ceremony, Wang Wei-chen emphasized that the frustration of that defeat has been transformed into motivation. He expressed a desire to lead the team back to the championship, jokingly adding that he wants to see Manager Hirano moved to tears of joy upon winning.
Despite facing significant injuries during the previous championship series, Wang reassured the organization and fans of his health, noting his consistency in maintaining approximately 100 games per season. While he primarily played third base in the past, he has adapted to spending more time as a designated hitter.
Strategic Outlook and Challenges
Team leader Liu Zhi-wei addressed critics who viewed the team’s quiet off-season as a lack of activity, stating that “learning requires silence.” He emphasized that the Brothers are focusing on a “deep learning” phase to evolve their strategic thinking rather than relying solely on traditional technical training.
However, the season will not be without hurdles. Liu admitted that operating will be more difficult this year as the number of home games at the Taipei Dome is expected to decrease. Despite this, the organization remains committed to “sports entertainment,” aiming to maximize productivity and professional performance within the limited venue availability.
