TOKYO – Yoshinobu Yamamoto is no stranger to the challenges of pitching on the global stage, having traveled halfway around the world for his initial Major League Baseball debut. His first outing wasn’t stellar, however, as he struggled in South Korea when he allowed five runs in a single inning against the San Diego Padres.
Despite this shaky start, Yamamoto rebounded impressively to become a pivotal player on a World Series-winning team, which defeated the New York Yankees in five games. Now gearing up for his second season, Yamamoto is determined to shine as a standout player.
“In my second year, I’m no longer a rookie,” Yamamoto stated through an interpreter. “I want to improve and contribute significantly to the team.” This year, Yamamoto is being looked upon as a potential ace for the Dodgers, scheduled to pitch on opening day against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome.
Although often outshone by his star teammate Shohei Ohtani, Yamamoto’s own progress is crucial for the Dodgers. He’s commencing the second year of a remarkable $325 million, 12-year contract he agreed to before last season.
“Yoshinobu has matured a lot in a year,” said manager Dave Roberts. “I believe he’ll have an outstanding season. The way he bounced back from that tough start really highlights his competitive spirit and character.”
After the turbulent start, Yamamoto impressed in 2024, ending with a 7-2 record, a 3.00 ERA, and 105 strikeouts over 90 innings, despite missing half the season due to a shoulder injury. His playoff performances were noteworthy, particularly in the World Series, where he allowed just one run over 6 1/3 innings in a Game 2 victory.
Yamamoto’s pitching arsenal includes a mid-90s fastball, a curveball, and a lethal splitter that often results in swings and misses. He now believes he can excel in the MLB.
“The key is confidence,” Roberts explained. “That confidence comes with experience, and he’s learned to trust his fastball in the strike zone without being overly precise, which enhances all his pitches.”
At 26, Yamamoto is poised to be a leading figure in a formidable rotation that features two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, promising Japanese rookie Roki Sasaki, and eventually Ohtani, who plans to resume pitching in May.
Dustin May and Bobby Miller remain on standby, and the seasoned left-hander Clayton Kershaw could also make a contribution if fit.
Yet, the spotlight for the season opener in Yamamoto’s home country will be on him, especially in a historic all-Japanese pitcher matchup against Cubs’ Shota Imanaga.
The memory of that challenging start in South Korea is now a distant one for Yamamoto. “In terms of preparation, there’s not much difference,” he noted. “Last year, things didn’t work out, but this year, I feel content with where I stand.”
During the Dodgers’ exhibition matches with the Hanshin Tigers and Yomiuri Giants this past weekend, Yamamoto relished the chance to play host, reversing roles after his teammates aided his transition to America last season.
“I’m pleased to assist in any way I can,” Yamamoto remarked. “It seems they all appreciate the change in setting.”
