Dodgers' Yoshinobu Yamamoto Shares Off-Field Move After Cubs Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Apr 26, 2026 10:04 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers pitching staff has been excellent to begin the 2026 MLB season, and right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto has once again set the tone.

The 27-year-old Japanese superstar has picked up right where he left off in 2025, when he earned World Series MVP honors while helping Los Angeles secure a second straight championship.

Through five starts, Yamamoto has posted a 2.48 ERA with 28 strikeouts across 32 2/3 innings. Yamamoto’s next scheduled start will come on Monday against the Miami Marlins as he looks to help the Dodgers win a third straight game.

Los Angeles took care of business this weekend in a three-game set against the Chicago Cubs, taking the final two games after dropping the series opener.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) © Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

As Yamamoto prepares for that start, he took a moment Sunday to share an off-field move. Yamamoto revealed on his Instagram story that he is featured in a new commercial for Samty Holdings, a real-estate development company based in Osaka, Japan.

The Dodgers announced their partnership with Samty in March, and it makes sense that one of Los Angeles brightest Japanese players, aside from Shohei Ohtani, would be highlighted in the campaign. Yamamoto posted the commercial on his story and added the caption, “I'm in Samty's new commercial!”

While Yamamoto continues to grow his presence as one of baseball’s most recognizable international ambassadors, he also continues to shine on the mound. Now in the third year of his 12-year, $325 million contract, he has met every expectation placed on him.

Last season, his first full year in MLB after a right rotator cuff strain limited him in 2024, Yamamoto delivered an All-Star campaign and finished third in National League Cy Young voting. In a rotation full of elite arms, he has firmly established himself as the Dodgers No. 1 option.

With his latest partnership only expanding his global profile, Yamamoto’s impact continues to grow both on the field and far beyond it.

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

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