Although there was a decent representation for Cubans in 2026 only a few stood out in the Asian Leagues. In the Nippon League only Liván Moinelo (SoftBank Hawks) and Raidel Martínez (Yomiuri Giants) were standouts, while in the KBO Guillermo Heredia had an outstanding season. No Cubans saw action in the Chinese Professional Baseball League.
In the Nippon League Raidel Martínez was dominant as usual and garnered 40 saves for the third straight season. The Cuban closer was a key piece of the bullpen, recording 42 saves with an excellent 1.38 ERA and 0.82 WHIP in 2026. His ability to limit baserunners made him a reliable option to protect leads in the late innings.
In 57 appearances and 52⅓ innings pitched he posted 5-4 record, 1.38 ERA, 56 strikeouts and 0.82 WHIP as well. Another impressive season in Japan for Martínez, who continues to represent Cuban baseball on the international stage and eclipsed 250 saves for his career in the land of the rising sun.
Liván Moinelo was dominant for the SoftBank Hawks this season. Although he began the season on the injured list, Moinelo dominated after returning to the mound late in the campaign. In 7 games, the Cuban lefty went 6-1 with a 0.75 ERA and a 0.69 WHIP over 47⅓ innings, striking out 34. He also recorded 2 complete games and 1 shutout.
In Korea Guillermo Heredia made his mark with the SSG Landers in the KBO in 2026 as wel. The Cuban outfielder hit .283 with 18 home runs and 98 RBIs, providing solid production for the South Korean club’s offense. In 449 at-bats he had 127 hits, 25 doubles, 210 total bases and slashed .338/.468/.806.
Cubans in Asia during the 2026 season:
NPB:
Raidel Martínez (Yomiuri Giants): 5-4,1.38 ERA,0.82 WHIP, 42 SV
Christian Rodríguez ( Chunichi Dragons): .000/.091/.000/.091, 0 HR, 0 RBI
*Randy Martinez (Chunichi Dragons): 2-0, 2.70,0.90 WHIP, 5 SO,
Ariel Martínez (Nippon Ham):.139/.244/.306/ .548,2 HR,4 RBI
*Darío Sarduy (SoftBank Hawks): (Injured)
*Jonathan Moreno (SoftBank Hawks):.333/.385/ .750/1.135, 1 HR, 3 RBI
Dayan Viciedo (DeNA BayStars): .250/.290/ .357/.647, 1 HR, 6 RBI
KBO:
Guillermo Heredia (SSG Landers): .283/.338/ .468/.806, 18 HR, 98 RBI
CPBL:
No Cubans saw action
*Minor Leagues