The Los Angeles Dodgers captured back-to-back World Series titles behind Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto. In just his second year with Los Angeles, Yamamoto has already solidified himself as a franchise icon and now has two championship rings.
Throughout the postseason, he delivered two complete games and collected three wins in the Fall Classic, earning World Series MVP honors for his dominance over the Toronto Blue Jays. The 27-year-old posted a 1.45 ERA across six playoff appearances, finishing with a 5-1 record and 33 strikeouts.
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This level of success came as no surprise, given Yamamoto’s emergence as the Dodgers’ ace during the regular season. He recorded a 2.49 ERA and 201 strikeouts, earning a third-place finish in National League Cy Young voting.
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
On Thursday night, Yamamoto was named to the All-MLB First Team during the 2025 MLB Awards show.
Only eight pitchers across the entire league were named to the All-MLB teams, making Yamamoto’s selection a notable accomplishment. The awards are voted on before the postseason, which means his dominant October performance was not factored into the results, yet he still made First Team.
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MLB announced the news on X.
The All-MLB selections are determined through a 50-50 split between fan voting and a panel of experts, with the goal of recognizing full-season excellence. Unlike the All-Star Game, which reflects only first-half performance, the All-MLB teams offer a more comprehensive look at who truly stood out over the course of the entire year.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Contract Was Great Investment for Dodgers
Yamamoto’s rise has validated the Dodgers’ bold investment. In December 2023, Los Angeles signed him to a 12-year, $325 million contract, the largest deal ever for a starting pitcher at the time and a historic commitment considering he had yet to throw a pitch at the major-league level. Less than two years later, it is safe to say the deal looks like a home run for the high-powered Dodgers.
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Yamamoto earned his first All-Star selection in 2025 and is already viewed as the long-term anchor of the rotation. With his elite command, durability, and postseason poise, he is positioned to lead the staff for the next decade.
The Dodgers continue to build around a core that includes Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani, and Yamamoto’s presence gives them a true ace to match their offensive firepower. If his first two seasons are any indication, Los Angeles could be on the verge of a World Series three-peat.
Related: Dodgers Lose Two Players From Organization Amid MLB Free Agency
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.