The Los Angeles Dodgers are entering the upcoming season with the most loaded roster in baseball. Their rotation is the deepest in the league, stacked with talent from top to bottom.
Yet one name continues to stand out above the rest: right‑hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto. After signing a 12‑year, $325 million contract in 2023, the largest guaranteed deal ever for a starting pitcher, expectations were enormous, especially considering Yamamoto had never thrown a pitch in MLB.
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Somehow, he has already surpassed them. His first two seasons with the Dodgers could not have gone any better. Last year, Yamamoto earned his first All‑Star selection and finished third in National League Cy Young voting with a 2.49 ERA and 201 strikeouts in 173 2/3 innings. He then capped his season by winning World Series MVP after a dominant Fall Classic that included a complete game and three victories, including the Game 7 clincher.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) © Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
(© Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images)
Given that heavy workload, it was unclear whether Yamamoto would participate in the World Baseball Classic with Team Japan. Fortunately for Japan, the Dodgers constructed a plan that allowed him to pitch for his country and help defend their title, a tournament he helped them win before he became a Dodger.
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Yamamoto made his first WBC start in pool play against Chinese Taipei, throwing 2 2/3 scoreless innings with two strikeouts and no hits allowed. With Japan advancing to the quarterfinals to face a strong Venezuela squad, Yamamoto will take the mound again.
However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided an important update regarding Yamamoto’s usage. Speaking with reporters, Roberts announced that Yamamoto would remain with Japan after his scheduled start on Friday against Venezuela.
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This matters because it ensures the Dodgers can control his workload, protect his arm and keep him on schedule for Opening Day.
If Japan reaches the final, Yamamoto could potentially pitch again. After the WBC, Yamamoto will shift his focus back to Los Angeles as he looks to help the Dodgers chase a third straight World Series title in 2026, a pursuit in which he will once again be at the center.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.