Raidel Martínez records third consecutive 40-save season in NPB

Raidel Martínez NPB Yomiuri Giants baseball saves Cuban pitcher

Cuban pitcher Raidel Martínez has achieved a historic milestone in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) by recording his third consecutive season with at least 40 saves. Playing for the Yomiuri Giants, Martínez secured his 40th save of the 2026 season during a 3-2 victory against the Yakult Swallows at the Tokyo Dome.

Martínez joins an elite group of only two other pitchers in NPB history to achieve three straight 40-save seasons: Hitoshi Iwase and Dennis Sarfate. His recent performance includes 43 saves in 2024 with the Chunichi Dragons and 46 saves in 2025 with the Yomiuri Giants.

In addition to this seasonal feat, Martínez recently became the first foreign pitcher in NPB history to surpass 250 career saves. He currently holds a 1.26 ERA for the 2026 season, with 55 strikeouts and five wins against four losses.

Entities

Chunichi Dragons · NPB · Raidel Martínez · Tokyo Dome · Yomiuri Giants

Sources

Raidel Martínez otra vez con 40 salvados en Japón - CNC TV Granma [www.cnctvgranma.cu]

about 1 hour ago

Raidel Martínez Sets New Milestone in Japan: Third Consecutive Season with 40 Saves [www.cubaheadlines.com]

about 19 hours ago

Raidel Martínez alcanza 40 salvamentos con Yomiuri [www.directoriocubano.info]

about 18 hours ago