Japanese pitching sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto has officially joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, citing the team’s strong desire to win as a key factor in his decision. The 25-year-old right-hander signed a groundbreaking 12-year, $325 million contract with the Dodgers, securing the most guaranteed money ever given to a pitcher. The Dodgers also paid over $50 million to Yamamoto’s former Nippon Professional Baseball team to secure his services.
Speaking at a press conference at Dodger Stadium, Yamamoto expressed his excitement about becoming a member of the historic franchise and called Los Angeles his new home. The pitcher has been named the top pitcher in Nippon Professional Baseball for the last three seasons, achieving the pitching triple crown each year by leading the league in wins, strikeouts, and ERA.
Yamamoto, who won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and contributed to Japan’s victory at the World Baseball Classic, highlighted the Dodgers’ commitment to winning as a decisive factor in his decision. He noted that discussions with the front office made it clear they were focused on success. Additionally, the presence of countryman Shohei Ohtani, who prioritized winning and deferred a significant portion of his contract to help the team sign top-tier talent, influenced Yamamoto’s choice.
Reflecting on his journey to MLB, Yamamoto mentioned attending a playoff game at Dodger Stadium as a teenager to see Japanese great Kenta Maeda pitch. This experience fueled his desire to play in the big leagues.
Acknowledging the high expectations for the Dodgers, Yamamoto pledged to focus on becoming a better player and helping the team secure a world championship. He expressed his commitment to stop merely admiring players he looked up to and strive to become the kind of player others aspire to be. The addition of Yamamoto adds significant firepower to the Dodgers as they aim for continued success in the upcoming seasons.
