Two years ago, the Dodgers inked Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a record-setting deal, overcoming early struggles for a dominant postseason performance.
On this date in 2023, the Los Angeles Dodgers capped off a transformative offseason by officially announcing the signing of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, formally introducing the Japanese right-hander at Dodger Stadium. The move signaled the franchise’s commitment to global talent and long-term dominance, as Yamamoto arrived with an unprecedented résumé and equally historic contract.
Yamamoto joined the Dodgers after establishing himself as the most accomplished starting pitcher in Nippon Professional Baseball history. His 12-year, $325 million agreement set a new benchmark for pitchers in Major League Baseball, narrowly surpassing the record-setting deal previously signed by Gerrit Cole with the Yankees. For Los Angeles, the investment reflected both confidence in Yamamoto’s ability and belief that his skills would translate at the highest level.
The early stages of Yamamoto’s MLB journey were not without challenges. His Major League debut came overseas in South Korea and proved to be a difficult introduction, as he struggled to find rhythm and surrendered five earned runs in just one inning of work. While the outing raised questions externally, the Dodgers remained patient, emphasizing the long view with their prized acquisition.
Midway through the season, Yamamoto encountered a more significant hurdle when he landed on the injured list in early July due to a right triceps issue. He was also dealing with a rotator cuff strain, prompting concern about whether he would be able to contribute meaningfully down the stretch. Those worries eased in September, when Yamamoto returned from the 60-day injured list and quickly reasserted himself as a frontline option.
During the regular season, Yamamoto finished with a 7–2 record, a 3.00 ERA, a 2.61 FIP, and held opposing hitters to a .226 average. His impact became even more pronounced in October. Across four postseason starts, he went unbeaten, posting a solid ERA while consistently limiting damage and working deep into games. His World Series debut in Game 2 stood out, as he silenced the Yankees over 6.1 dominant innings, allowing just one hit. A solo home run by Juan Soto accounted for the only blemish, but New York failed to mount any further threat against him.
As the season progressed, Yamamoto refined his command and developed greater trust in his secondary pitches, showcasing his ability to locate throughout the strike zone. The Dodgers maintained his once-a-week pitching routine, but when his turn arrived, Yamamoto delivered with poise and precision.
By his second season, Yamamoto had fully cemented his status as an ace-level presence, carrying that excellence into the postseason and delivering signature performances on the game’s biggest stage. His journey from historic signing to championship centerpiece underscored why the Dodgers viewed him as a cornerstone for the future.