Yoshinobu Yamamoto cemented himself in Los Angeles Dodgers lore for his heroic performance in the 2025 postseason that helped the team repeat as World Series champions.
The right-hander at one point threw back-to-back complete games and famously pitched against the Toronto Blue Jays on zero days’ rest in the deciding Game 7.
Yamamoto recorded 211 innings over 36 appearances (35 starts) between the regular season and playoffs, all of which represented career highs. With the Dodgers having navigated another shortened offseason, there are natural questions about whether the 27-year-old will be as effective, considering the heavy workload he took on.
Yamamoto has already faced hitters in Spring Training and said he is in an even better spot compared to a normal offseason, via Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:
Yamamoto took November off completely from throwing before starting his ramp-up for the Dodgers and Samurai Japan. When the Dodgers’ pitchers and catchers reported for camp Friday, Yamamoto was the first pitcher to take the mound to face hitters.
“Right now, it’s actually better than a normal offseason,” Yamamoto said.
Yamamoto reflected on his accomplishments during the offseason and is using them as motivation to achieve even greater heights this year:
“I was able to get into the offseason with a great feeling,” Yamamoto said through interpreter Yoshihiro Sonoda. “I was also able to spend this offseason with a little more purpose.”
Yamamoto is entering only his third Major League season, but he has already accomplished more than most pitchers. The one thing that has eluded him is winning the Cy Young Award, which should be one of his top goals this season.
Yamamoto finished third for the honor behind Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes and the Philadelphia Phillies Cristopher Sánchez this past season. No Japanese pitcher has ever won a Cy Young Award.
As for potential workload concerns, Yamamoto is doing his best to ease those. He not only has already faced hitters Camelback Ranch, but he will soon pitch for Samurai Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Yamamoto also has one of the most unique training routines for any pitcher, focusing more on flexibility and body control, rather than strength.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto made World Series history
Yamamoto became the first pitcher in World Series history to win three games on the road, as well as the first pitcher to earn the win in Games 6 and 7 on the road.
Yamamoto also became the first pitcher in MLB history to allow no more than five hits, one run and one walk with at least five strikeouts while earning the win in three consecutive postseason starts.
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