Cuban pitcher Raidel Martínez claimed his first victory of the season in Japan's Professional Baseball League (NPB) this Wednesday, as the Yomiuri Giants triumphed 5-3 over the Hiroshima Carp at Gifu's Nagaragawa Stadium, in front of 14,657 fans.
According to Pelota Cubana, the Pinar del Río native took the mound in the ninth inning and delivered a flawless performance: he allowed no hits or runs, issued one walk, and recorded a strikeout.
The inning began as Taiki Mochimaru grounded out to second base. Martínez then walked Shoichi Futamata but struck out Shunsuke Tamura, securing the win.
The Giants amassed a total of 11 hits, taking the lead in the second inning. Although Hiroshima attempted a comeback with three runs between the fourth and fifth innings, Yomiuri's bullpen maintained the lead until the end.
This victory improves Martínez's 2026 season record to 1-1, boasting a 2.38 ERA over 11.1 innings pitched with three earned runs allowed. Additionally, the closer has accumulated 10 saves, 12 strikeouts, and opponents are hitting just .154 against him.
The start of the 2026 season was fraught with uncertainty for the player. Following Cuba's elimination in the VI World Baseball Classic held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, neither Martínez nor his fellow Cuban, Liván Moinelo, promptly reported to their Japanese teams' spring training, sparking rumors of potential defections.
On March 24, the INDER of Pinar del Río dispelled these rumors with an official statement, confirming both players were in their hometown preparing to travel to Japan. They departed for the Asian country that same night, joining their teams ahead of NPB's Opening Day.
Born on October 11, 1996, in Pinar del Río, Martínez inked a historic four-year, $32.5 million contract with the Yomiuri Giants in December 2024, the largest ever awarded to a Latin American in the NPB.
The athlete turned down Major League Baseball offers ranging from $50 million to $70 million to stay affiliated with the Cuban Baseball Federation, making him a unique figure among elite Cuban players.
In the 2025 season, Martínez excelled with 46 saves and a 1.11 ERA over 56.2 innings pitched, amassing over 212 career saves in the NPB, which positions him as the all-time leader in saves among foreign pitchers in the Japanese league.
Raidel Martínez's Impact on Japanese Baseball
What is Raidel Martínez's record for the 2026 season?
Raidel Martínez's record for the 2026 season is 1-1 with a 2.38 ERA.
How did Raidel Martínez perform in the 2025 season?
In the 2025 season, Raidel Martínez recorded 46 saves with a 1.11 ERA over 56.2 innings pitched.
Why is Raidel Martínez's contract with the Yomiuri Giants significant?
Raidel Martínez's contract with the Yomiuri Giants is significant because it is the largest ever awarded to a Latin American player in the NPB, valued at $32.5 million over four years.