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 (MLB). Prior to joining the Dodgers, he was a dominant force in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) with the Orix Buffaloes. From 2021-2023, he achieved unprecedented success, winning three consecutive Pacific League MVP awards, three Eiji Sawamura Awards, and three Triple Crowns, leading the league in wins, strikeouts, and ERA each year. Yamamoto also threw two no-hitters and played a crucial role in the Orix Buffaloes' 2022 Japan Series championship.

Sections (2)

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 of the Pacific League, 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 with a 2.10 ERA and was selected to appear in the Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star Series.

2019: WBSC Premier12 Gold Medal

In 2019, Yoshinobu Yamamoto earned a gold medal at the WBSC Premier12 representing Japan.

2020: Summer Olympics Gold Medal

In 2020, Yoshinobu Yamamoto earned a gold medal at the Summer Olympics representing Japan.

2020: 2020 Season Performance

In the pandemic shortened 2020 season, Yoshinobu Yamamoto was 8–4 in 18 appearances with a 2.20 ERA.

2021: Pacific League MVP and More

In 2021, Yoshinobu Yamamoto finished the season with an 18–5 record and 206 strikeouts and led the league with a 1.39 ERA, winning the Pacific League Most Valuable Player Award.

2021: 2021 Season Achievements

Yoshinobu Yamamoto finished the 2021 season with an 18–5 record and 206 strikeouts and his 1.39 earned run average (ERA) led the league. 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 NPB in a 2–0 win over the Saitama Seibu Lions.

2022: Japan Series Championship

In 2022, Yoshinobu Yamamoto was a key figure in Orix’s Japan Series championship.

September 9, 2023: Second Career No-Hitter

On September 9, 2023, Yoshinobu Yamamoto threw his second NPB career no-hitter, blanking the Chiba Lotte Marines.

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.

2023: MLB Posting and Contract

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

2023: 2023 Japan Series Performance and MLB Posting

In 2023, Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched in Game 1 and Game 6 of the Japan Series and the Buffaloes announced that Yamamoto would be posted to MLB on November 5.

2023: 2023 WBC Performance

In 2023, Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched in two games, starting one, in the WBC. Japan again won gold.

2023: World Baseball Classic

In 2023, Yoshinobu Yamamoto represented Japan in the World Baseball Classic (WBC).

2023: Triple Crown and More Awards

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

March 21, 2024: Major League Debut

On March 21, 2024, Yoshinobu Yamamoto made his major league debut against the San Diego Padres at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea.

2024: World Series Title

In 2024, Yoshinobu Yamamoto contributed to Los Angeles’ World Series title.

2024: 2024 Season with the Dodgers

In 2024, Yoshinobu Yamamoto had 18 starts for the Dodgers, going 7–2 with a 3.00 ERA and 105 strikeouts, later making his playoff debut and securing a postseason win.