Dodgers' Yoshinobu Yamamoto Sends Message After Career Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Jan 26, 2026 5:37 PM ET

Yoshinobu Yamamoto could not have asked for a better start to his MLB career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. After signing a record-breaking 12-year, $325 million deal with the club two winters ago, the contract has aged well for both sides.

Yamamoto has quickly translated his dominance in Japan to the big leagues, and his arrival has played a major role in Los Angeles winning two straight World Series titles.

His 2025 season was a breakout in every sense. Even after a strong debut year in 2024, he elevated his game further, winning World Series MVP, earning his first All-Star selection and finishing third in National League Cy Young voting.

Across 30 starts, the 27-year-old right-hander posted a 2.49 ERA, 12–8 record, 0.990 WHIP and 201 strikeouts over 173 2/3 innings, with his splitter becoming one of the most unhittable pitches in the sport.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18)© Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

As the offseason unfolded, one of the biggest storylines surrounding Yamamoto was whether he would receive permission to pitch in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Not only did he stay healthy throughout the entire season, but he also pitched deep into November, giving him a heavier workload than most pitchers.

With the international tournament scheduled for March, there was initial uncertainty about his availability. That speculation ended when Yamamoto was officially named to Team Japan’s roster, joining his Dodgers teammate and two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani.

Yamamoto also addressed the decision publicly, offering insight into his mindset and preparation.

“Once again, wearing the Rising Sun on my back fills me with a sense of resolve. To get in shape for competing in the WBC, I've been putting in solid training this offseason. Together with my wonderful teammates and dependable staff, we'll unite as one to aim for the top,” Yamamoto said (h/t Taro Abe of Chunichi Sports).

#山本由伸投手。WBC出場でコメント。
「再び日の丸を背負うことに身が引き締まる思いです。WBC を戦うためのコンディションを作るために、このオフにしっかりとトレーニングを積んできました。素晴らしいチームメイト、頼もしいスタッフの皆さんと一丸となって、一番を目指します」。#Dodgers
— 阿部太郎 MLB記者 (@taroabe0109) January 26, 2026

He previously pitched for Team Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, helping them secure the gold medal. Yamamoto served as a key member of the pitching staff, recording 12 strikeouts over 7 1/3 innings with a 2.45 ERA.

Now he will have the opportunity to chase a second medal for his country before shifting his focus back to the Dodgers, where his goal will be to help deliver a third straight World Series title and continue building what is quickly becoming one of the most impressive early careers of any pitcher in recent memory.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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