
Taipei, April 15 (CNA) Tseng Hao-jiu (曾豪駒) will resume his role as the manager of Taiwan's national team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) after leading the team through a bumpy qualifier series in February.
Taiwan's Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL), which assembles the national team, announced Tseng's return on Monday after the Rakuten Monkeys, his CPBL team, backed the appointment, describing the invitation to Tseng as "a recognition of [his] expertise."
The Monkeys said in a statement Monday that they had reached a consensus with Tseng to prioritize the ongoing CPBL season, after which he will fully commit to preparing for the WBC.
The CPBL added that scouting efforts are already underway, and the team's support staff will begin operations in late April.
According to the league, the national team will hold its first monthly meeting in May. Training is set to begin in mid-January -- earlier than usual -- at Tseng's suggestion.
In November 2024, Tseng earned unanimous praise after leading a modest roster to victory in the WBSC Premier12, securing Taiwan's first-ever world championship in a major senior-level tournament of its national sport.
He was then appointed manager for the 2025 WBC Qualifiers, in which Taiwan faced Spain, Nicaragua, and South Africa in Taipei in February to vie for two tournament spots.

The team did not live up to its advanced billing, however, narrowly avoiding a mercy rule loss to Spain in the opener before taking revenge in a rematch to clinch the final qualifying spot.
Following the qualifiers, CPBL Commissioner Tsai Chi-chang (蔡其昌) said Tseng remained the best candidate for the managerial role. Tseng, citing intense pressure, initially declined to make an immediate decision, saying he needed time to rest.
On March 22, he confirmed he was willing to take the job again, pending discussions with the Monkeys to strike a balance between club and national duties.
"This opportunity was offered by the commissioner, the league, and other officials who made our achievement possible," Tseng said. "Also, all the players and coaches contributed to this honor, so yes, I'm absolutely willing to take on this mission."
The 2026 WBC will take place in early March, with Taiwan joining reigning champions Japan, along with Australia, South Korea, and the Czech Republic in Pool C.
The team is expected to finalize its roster in early February, the CPBL said.
- Tseng Hao-jiu officially named Team Taiwan manager for 2026 WBCTseng Hao-jiu (曾豪駒) was officially named the manager of Taiwan's national team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) on Wednesday.04/23/2025 05:16 PM
- Guardians shut out Brothers to snap 13-game road losing streakThe Fubon Guardians finally snapped their nearly seven-month road win drought by shutting out the CTBC Brothers 1-0 at Taipei Dome on Sunday.04/21/2025 05:16 PM
- Torpedo bat set to debut in CPBL soonThe torpedo bat is likely to make its debut in Taiwan's Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) sooner than expected after the league announced a way for certified bat providers to quickly get new types of bats into the hands of CPBL players.04/19/2025 05:28 PM
- Politics
Cabinet approves NT$410 billion special budget proposal
04/24/2025 02:48 PM - Society
Rainy weather forecast for most of Taiwan Thursday to Saturday
04/24/2025 02:37 PM - Business
Taiwan shares close down 0.82%
04/24/2025 02:03 PM - Society
5 suspects in alleged Chinese smuggling scam released on bail
04/24/2025 01:51 PM - Politics
Foreign Minister Lin meets baby 'Taiwan' in Eswatini, boosts fund for women
04/24/2025 11:27 AM