Imagine a pitcher so dominant, so relentless, that he throws the first pitch of a season in Tokyo and the last pitch of a World Series in Toronto, securing a championship along the way. That’s the legend of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a name that’s become synonymous with greatness in baseball. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Yamamoto’s unprecedented performance the result of sheer talent, or does his meticulously managed schedule—never starting with fewer than five days’ rest—play a bigger role than we realize? Let’s dive in.
Yamamoto’s 2025 season with the Dodgers was nothing short of historic. As the only starting pitcher active for the entire season, he wasn’t just a cornerstone of the team—he was the ace who carried them to their second consecutive World Series title. Along the way, he snagged the World Series MVP award, capping off a season that already looked like a steal just two years into his record-breaking 12-year, $325 million contract. And this is the part most people miss: Yamamoto’s success isn’t just about his arm; it’s about the strategic planning behind his usage, a luxury afforded by the Dodgers’ deep roster.
Yet, it was in the postseason where Yamamoto truly cemented his legend. In Game 7 of the World Series, after throwing 96 pitches over six innings in Game 6, he was called upon to pitch again—with no days’ rest. Not only did he deliver, but he also recorded eight outs, more than any other Dodgers pitcher that night. His performance left teammates in awe. Tyler Glasnow, who himself pitched in relief, called Yamamoto’s feats ‘some of the craziest things I’ve ever seen.’ Blake Snell, another reliever, admitted, ‘I gotta learn from him. That was impressive.’
Yamamoto’s postseason heroics didn’t stop there. He became the first pitcher to win three games in a World Series since Randy Johnson in 2001 and the only one to win three road games in the same Fall Classic. His 37 1/3 innings pitched in the postseason rank third in Dodgers history, trailing only legends like Orel Hershiser and Fernando Valenzuela. But here’s the kicker: At just 27, Yamamoto is already tied for the most World Series wins in Dodgers history with four, alongside icons like Johnny Podres and Sandy Koufax.
What makes Yamamoto’s story even more remarkable is his consistency. Between the regular season and postseason, he allowed zero or one run in 20 of his 35 starts, posting a 2.30 ERA and 234 strikeouts in 211 innings. His near no-hitter in Baltimore, where he took a no-hitter into the ninth inning, showcased his ability to dominate even when the bullpen faltered. Here’s a thought-provoking question: Is Yamamoto’s success a product of his own brilliance, or does it also highlight the importance of a team’s depth and strategic planning?
Manager Dave Roberts summed it up perfectly: ‘We needed a next-level performance from Yamamoto, and we got it.’ Yamamoto’s flawless delivery, unwavering will, and hunger for big moments have made him a pitcher unlike any other. As Kiké Hernández put it, ‘When you’ve got a guy like Yoshinobu Yamamoto on your team, it makes things a little easier.’
So, is Yamamoto the greatest pitcher of his generation? Or is he simply the beneficiary of a system designed to maximize his potential? One thing’s for sure: his legacy is already etched in Dodgers lore. What do you think? Let us know in the comments—is Yamamoto’s success all him, or does the system deserve some credit too?
