The Dodgers Introduce New Star Pitcher from Japan, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Part of Monumental Offseason
By Hyun Kim
The Dodgers unveiled their newest star pitcher, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, on Wednesday, in a major deal that was part of a record-breaking Pacific Rim spending spree this offseason. The Japanese right-hander joined a $1.025-billion portfolio with the Dodgers, a deal that came with major excitement from fans and the media.
Yamamoto’s introductory news conference in Dodger Stadium resembled the one announcing two-way star Shohei Ohtani’s record $700-million deal, with 100 media members in attendance and live television broadcasting in both the U.S. and Japan. The 25-year-old player signed a 12-year, $325-million deal with the Dodgers, along with a $50-million signing bonus and two opt-outs.
The blockbuster deal is part of what manager Dave Roberts called a “monumental offseason” for the Dodgers, who also signed Tyler Glasnow and welcomed him with a five-year, $136.5-million extension, among other major moves. The Dodgers have been dealing with an instability in their rotation due to injuries, and the emergence of Yamamoto is expected to bolster the team’s pitching staff.
Yamamoto-led staff will aim to be a dominant force in the Major League Baseball, with expectations running high for the Japanese pitcher who had a remarkable record in Japan, collecting a 1.82 ERA in 172 games over eight seasons, and striking out 922 batters. With a lineup anchored by two-way star Shohei Ohtani, who played a major role in recruiting Yamamoto, the Dodgers are poised for a successful season ahead.
The $325 million deal for Yamamoto marks the largest total amount guaranteed to a pitcher in MLB history and the Dodgers paid a $50.6-million posting fee to Japan’s Orix Buffaloes, Yamamoto’s former team. The larger-than-life acquisition threw the Dodgers past the third luxury tax threshold of $277 million, putting pressure on the team to deliver a significant return on investment.
Yamamoto’s arrival to Los Angeles follows a rigorous recruitment, with the Dodgers outbidding more than a dozen clubs, including both New York teams, the San Francisco Giants, and the Boston Red Sox. However, the magnitude of this deal signals the Dodgers’ commitment to winning both now and in the future.
The Dodgers are leaning on Yamamoto not just for his impressive pitching but also for his adaptability and to rise to heightened expectations as he moves to pitch in the U. S leagues. For Yamamoto, the move is a promising opportunity amid high hopes from his fans, the management, and fellow players. Being with the Dodgers, a team focused on creating a winning atmosphere, provides a perfect fit for Yamamoto’s future in baseball.
With the addition of Yamamoto, the Dodgers are doubling down on their ambitions to claim multiple World Series championships in the coming decade. There is no doubt the 2023 World Baseball Classic-winning pitcher will be vying to raise the Dodgers to the historical glory they envision.