On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Dodgers officially introduced the newest member of the team, 25-year-old pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Rarely does a potential rotation ace become available during free agency, but especially one as young as Yamamoto. The Dodgers have...
On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Dodgers officially introduced the newest member of the team, 25-year-old pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Rarely does a potential rotation ace become available during free agency, but especially one as young as Yamamoto.
The Dodgers have a long, storied history with Japanese-born pitchers, and it appears Yamamoto turned to one prior to his posting.
The right-hander told Kirsten Watson of SportsNet LA that he spoke with Yu Darvish for some advice on where he should sign. Darvish told the young pitcher to “make sure you pick somewhere that you truly feels wants you.”
The Dodgers traded for Yu Darvish at the deadline in 2017, and he helped the team reach its first World Series since 1988. While the organization did not re-sign Darvish, he has maintained familiarity with the team. He’s played the last four seasons just down south with the San Diego Padres.
It seems Yamamoto heeded Darvish’s advice. He went on to say the Dodgers were “the right place to be.”
During his introductory press conference, Yamamoto emphasized the importance of winning now and in the future. The Dodgers certainly are the place to be when considering the franchise’s short- and long-term success.
In Los Angeles, Yamamoto joins an elite starting rotation with Tyler Glasnow, Bobby Miller, and Walker Buehler. In 2025, the Dodgers expect two-way star Shohei Ohtani to be cleared to pitch.
Ohtani was among the contingent of star players who met with Yamamoto at Dodger Stadium during his recruiting tour. Apparently the visit helped Yamamoto feel wanted.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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