Cuban closer Raidel Martínez etched his name into the annals of Japanese baseball history this Thursday by securing his 250th save in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league. This remarkable achievement grants him entry into the Meikyukai, Japan's prestigious Club of Distinguished Players.
Historic Achievement on the Mound
The milestone was reached during the Yomiuri Giants' 5-3 victory over the Chunichi Dragons. Martínez took the mound in the ninth inning, dispatching all three batters he faced with just five pitches, yielding no runs.
This save was his 38th of the 2026 season, highlighting a campaign where the Cuban pitcher has been nearly untouchable. With an ERA of 1.34 over 47 innings, 51 strikeouts, and a batting average against of .157, he leads the league in saves by 11 over Shinya Matsuyama of Chunichi.
A Foreign Trailblazer in Japanese Baseball
Martínez is the first foreign pitcher in NPB history to reach 250 saves and only the second non-Japanese player to join the Meikyukai. This honor was previously held solely by Venezuelan Alex Ramirez, who gained entry in 2013 with 2,000 career hits.
The Meikyukai is reserved for players who surpass elite statistical thresholds: 2,000 hits, 200 wins, or 250 saves in the NPB. Achieving any of these benchmarks assures a player's legacy among Japanese baseball's immortals.
Setting New Records
In addition to joining the club, Martínez set a new speed record for reaching 250 saves, accomplishing this in 411 games. He shattered the previous record held by Kazuhiro Sasaki, who needed 435 games for the same feat.
Within the league's all-time saves list, the Cuban is now tied for fourth place with Naoya Masuda and Yoshikazu Hirano, each with 250 saves. Above them are Sasaki with 252, Shingo Takatsu with 286, and the leader Hitoki Iwase with 407. Martínez is the sixth pitcher in NPB history to reach this milestone.
From Chunichi Dragons to Yomiuri Giants
Martínez's journey began in 2018 with the Chunichi Dragons, where he amassed 166 saves over seven seasons, with 2024 being his standout year: 43 saves and a 1.09 ERA. In December of that year, he signed a historic $32.5 million, four-year contract with the Yomiuri Giants, one of the largest ever for a Latin American player in the NPB.
His inaugural season with Yomiuri in 2025 was equally impressive, with 46 saves and a 1.11 ERA across 58 appearances, bringing his career total to 212 saves entering the current season.
The Japanese Baseball portal captured the moment succinctly: "IMMORTAL!"
Raidel Martínez's NPB Milestone: Key Questions Answered
What is the Meikyukai?
The Meikyukai is Japan's Club of Distinguished Players, which admits players who reach elite statistical milestones in the NPB, such as 2,000 hits, 200 wins, or 250 saves.
How did Raidel Martínez achieve his 250th save?
Raidel Martínez secured his 250th save during the Yomiuri Giants' 5-3 victory over the Chunichi Dragons, retiring three batters on just five pitches without allowing a run.
Who was the first foreign player to join the Meikyukai?
Venezuelan player Alex Ramirez was the first foreign player to join the Meikyukai, achieving this honor in 2013 by reaching 2,000 career hits in the NPB.