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 played for the Orix Buffaloes in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), where he established himself as a dominant force. From 2021 to 2023, Yamamoto achieved unprecedented success, winning three consecutive Pacific League MVP awards, three Eiji Sawamura Awards, and three Triple Crowns by leading the league in wins, strikeouts, and ERA each season. 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 of the Pacific League, three days after his 19th birthday.

2018: All-Star Series Selection

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

2019: WBSC Premier12

In 2019, Yamamoto represented Japan in the WBSC Premier12, pitching five times out of the bullpen, which Japan won.

2020: Summer Olympics

In 2020, Yamamoto represented Japan in the Summer Olympics, pitching in two games, allowing two runs and striking out 18 batters in 11+2⁄3 innings. Japan won gold in Tokyo, and Yamamoto was named to the All-Olympic Baseball Team.

2020: 2020 Season Performance

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

2021: Triple Crown, MVP, and Eiji Sawamura Award

In 2021, Yoshinobu Yamamoto won the Pacific League Most Valuable Player Award, the Eiji Sawamura Award, and the Triple Crown, leading the league in wins, strikeouts, and earned run average.

2021: MVP Award

Yoshinobu Yamamoto finished the 2021 season with an 18–5 record, 206 strikeouts, and a league-leading 1.39 ERA, winning 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, in a 2–0 win over the Saitama Seibu Lions.

2022: Japan Series Championship

In 2022, Yoshinobu Yamamoto was a key figure in the Orix Buffaloes’ 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, 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. The Dodgers also paid a $50.625 million posting fee to the Orix Buffaloes.

2023: MLB Signing with the Dodgers and World Baseball Classic Gold Medal

Following the 2023 season, Yoshinobu Yamamoto signed a 12-year, $325 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, which was the largest ever for a pitcher at the time. He also won a gold medal at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

2023: World Baseball Classic

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

2023: Japan Series Performance and MLB Posting

In 2023, Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched in Game 1 of the Japan Series, surrendering seven runs, but followed up with a Game 6 performance, throwing 138 pitches for a Japan Series-record 14 strikeouts. On November 5, the Buffaloes announced that Yamamoto would be posted to MLB.

2023: 2023 WBC Performance

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

2023: Third Consecutive MVP, Eiji Sawamura Award, and Triple Crown

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, allowing five runs in one inning. On April 6, he picked up his first MLB win against the Chicago Cubs.

2024: Injured List, Activation and Playoff Debut

In 2024, Yamamoto was placed on the injured list with a strained rotator cuff, then activated off the injured list on September 10. He made his playoff debut on October 5, giving up five runs, but picked up his first postseason win on October 12 against the Padres. In Game 2 of the 2024 World Series against the New York Yankees, Yamamoto pitched 6+1⁄3 innings, allowing just one run on one hit.

2024: World Series Title

In 2024, Yoshinobu Yamamoto contributed to Los Angeles’ World Series title, becoming the first player in baseball history to win a World Series, an Olympic gold medal, and a World Baseball Classic title.

2025: Opening Day Start and Pitcher of the Month

In 2025, Yamamoto started for the Dodgers on opening day against the Chicago Cubs, picking up the win. He was named the National League Pitcher of the Month for April, posting a 1.06 ERA through six starts and striking out 43 batter in 34 innings.