Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Yoshinobu Yamamoto

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Yoshinobu Yamamoto made an impact.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers of MLB. Before joining the Dodgers, he was a dominant force in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) with the Orix Buffaloes. From 2021 to 2023, Yamamoto achieved unprecedented success, winning three consecutive Pacific League MVP awards, three Eiji Sawamura Awards (Japan's equivalent of the Cy Young), and three Triple Crowns, consistently leading the league in wins, strikeouts, and ERA. He also pitched two no-hitters and played a crucial role in the Orix Buffaloes' 2022 Japan Series victory.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

August 20, 2017: NPB Debut

On August 20, 2017, Yoshinobu Yamamoto made his Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) debut for the Orix Buffaloes, three days after his 19th birthday.

2018: Relief Pitcher and All-Star Selection

In 2018, Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched primarily in relief, appearing in 60 games. He was also selected for the Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star Series and finished second in rookie of the year voting.

2019: WBSC Premier12 Gold Medal

In 2019, Yoshinobu Yamamoto represented Japan and earned a gold medal at the WBSC Premier12 tournament.

2020: Pandemic Shortened Season Performance

During the pandemic shortened 2020 season, Yoshinobu Yamamoto had an 8–4 record in 18 appearances with a 2.20 ERA.

2020: Summer Olympics Gold Medal and All-Olympic Team Selection

In 2020, Yoshinobu Yamamoto participated in the Summer Olympics, where he pitched in two games, allowing two runs and striking out 18 batters as Japan won gold. He was also named to the All-Olympic Baseball Team.

2020: Summer Olympics Gold Medal

In 2020, Yoshinobu Yamamoto represented Japan at the Summer Olympics and secured a gold medal.

2021: Pacific League MVP and Triple Crown

In 2021, Yoshinobu Yamamoto won the Pacific League Most Valuable Player Award. He also led the league in wins, strikeouts, and earned run average, achieving the Triple Crown.

2021: MVP and League Leading ERA

Yoshinobu Yamamoto finished the 2021 season with an 18–5 record, 206 strikeouts, and led the league with a 1.39 earned run average (ERA). He won the Pacific League Most Valuable Player Award.

June 18, 2022: No-Hitter Against Saitama Seibu Lions

On June 18, 2022, Yoshinobu Yamamoto threw a no-hitter in an NPB game, a 2–0 victory over the Saitama Seibu Lions.

2022: Japan Series Championship

In 2022, Yoshinobu Yamamoto played a pivotal role in the Orix Buffaloes' Japan Series championship victory.

September 9, 2023: Second Career No-Hitter

On September 9, 2023, Yoshinobu Yamamoto threw his second NPB career no-hitter against the Chiba Lotte Marines, becoming the first pitcher in NPB history to throw no-hitters in consecutive seasons.

December 27, 2023: Signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers

On December 27, 2023, Yoshinobu Yamamoto signed a 12-year, $325 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, making it the largest contract ever for a pitcher at the time. The Dodgers also paid a $50.625 million posting fee to the Orix Buffaloes.

2023: Japan Series Performance and MLB Posting Announcement

In 2023, Yoshinobu Yamamoto had a mixed performance in the Japan Series, with a poor Game 1 followed by a record-setting Game 6. Following the Buffaloes' series defeat, it was announced that Yamamoto would be posted to MLB.

2023: World Baseball Classic Contribution

In 2023, Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched in two games, starting one, in the World Baseball Classic (WBC), allowing two runs in 7+1⁄3 innings. Japan won gold in the tournament.

2023: Third Consecutive MVP and Triple Crown

In 2023, Yoshinobu Yamamoto secured his third consecutive Pacific League Most Valuable Player Award, along with his third consecutive Triple Crown, leading the league in wins, strikeouts, and earned run average.

2023: MLB Posting and Dodgers Contract

In 2023, Yoshinobu Yamamoto was posted to MLB and signed a 12-year, $325 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

March 21, 2024: MLB Debut Against San Diego Padres

On March 21, 2024, Yoshinobu Yamamoto made his major league debut against the San Diego Padres at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea as part of the MLB World Tour, allowing five runs in one inning. Jurickson Profar was his first strikeout.

2024: World Series Title with Dodgers

In 2024, Yoshinobu Yamamoto contributed to the Los Angeles Dodgers' World Series title, achieving the unique feat of winning a World Series, an Olympic gold medal, and a World Baseball Classic title.

2024: Injured List and Return

In 2024, Yoshinobu Yamamoto was placed on the injured list with a strained rotator cuff in his right shoulder. He was later activated off the injured list on September 10. He finished the season with a 7-2 record, a 3.00 ERA, and 105 strikeouts in 18 starts. He also made his playoff debut in the National League Division Series.

2025: Opening Day Start and Pitcher of the Month

In 2025, Yoshinobu Yamamoto started for the Dodgers on opening day against the Chicago Cubs in the MLB Tokyo Series and earned the win. He was later named the National League Pitcher of the Month for April.