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The Los Angeles Dodgers made the smart move to step up to the plate to sign Yoshinobu Yamamoto before the 2024 season and give the rotation the extra breath it might need in the playoffs.
The extra green paid dividends for the second season in a row.
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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) celebrates with teammate Will Smith after the team defeated the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 of baseball’s World Series, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Toronto. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)
Yamamoto won three games in the World Series, including in Game 7, to help the Dodgers win back-to-back championships. Against the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7, Yamamoto was forced into a tough situation in the bottom of the ninth, but he held strong.
He lasted 2.2 innings, allowed just one hit, walked one and had the game-ending double play as the Dodgers won the game, 5-4, in 11 innings.
Yamamoto was named the World Series MVP for his efforts.
DODGERS CAPTURE BACK-TO-BACK WORLD SERIES TITLE AFTER EPIC GAME 7 WIN OVER BLUE JAYS
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) and pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) celebrate after the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 of the baseball World Series in Toronto, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
“I wasn’t sure if I could pitch tonight when I went to the bullpen, but I’m glad I was able to,” he told FOX’s Kevin Burkhardt after the game.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was jubilant.
“Yamamoto is the GOAT,” he screamed.
The Dodgers went to Yamamoto after he went six innings in the Dodgers’ Game 6 win over the Blue Jays on Friday night. He struck out six batters and allowed one run. He threw 96 pitches in that game.
Yamamoto also pitched in the Dodgers’ Game 2 win over the Blue Jays. He pitched a complete game, allowing one run on four hits and striking out eight.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto gestures during the fourth inning of Game 6 of baseball’s World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, in Toronto. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
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The Dodgers are the first back-to-back champions in MLB since the New York Yankees did it in 1999 and 2000.
