Rakuten Eagles manager Masato Yoshii visited the Rakuten Group headquarters in Tokyo on the 2nd with GM Kazuhisa Ishii and others to meet with owner Hiroshi Mikitani. They reported on the 2026 season and other matters. Manager Yoshii said, '(Owner Mikitani) told us that while the results were disappointing, it was a battle that will lead into next year.'

This season, the team languished in last place from the very beginning. In June, former manager Miki took a leave of absence, leading to the unusual mid-season appointment of Manager Yoshii. They ultimately finished in last place with a record of 58 wins, 84 losses, and 1 draw. Nevertheless, under the new commander, there were many positive signs toward the end of the season, such as the emergence of young talent.

His goal for next season is the league title. 'Winning the championship. Of course, it's winning the championship. There is no team that doesn't aim for the title, so we will work toward winning it,' he said with conviction.