Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto revealed he doesn’t consider himself a Dodgers legend Saturday.
Yamamoto, when asked if he “feels like a Dodger legend,” quickly shook his head, without saying a word. When asked why he didn’t think so, Yamamoto shut down further inquiry.
Despite having only played for the Dodgers in MLB for two seasons, Yamamoto has already carved himself into Dodgers history with two World Series wins and a World Series MVP in 2025.
He took over the 2025 postseason, throwing two complete games in a row in the NLCS and World Series while maintaining a 1.45 ERA over the course of 37.1 innings pitched. In the World Series, he allowed just two runs in 17.2 innings pitched, and closed Game 7 without taking a full day of rest.
Feb 13, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) throws from the mound during spring training camp. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn ImagesHow Did Yoshinobu Yamamoto Perform in the Regular Season?
Even without his phenomenal postseason numbers in 2025, Yamamoto had a fantastic year.
He made 30 starts last season, posting a 2.49 ERA through 173.2 innings pitched. He reached the 200 strikeouts mark for the first time in his career, and nearly tripled his bWAR in just 12 more starts than his rookie season. For his efforts, the right-hander received his first All-Star selection and placed third in NL Cy Young voting.
Could Yoshinobu Yamamoto Win the Cy Young Award in 2026?
Yamamoto took a huge jump from his rookie year to 2025, and if he manages to do so again heading into 2026 he could very well make a run at the award.
He is one of the best pitchers in MLB without a doubt, and is already firmly in the mix for the award. His competition is tough, though, as he’ll have to catch up to Paul Skenes to take home his first Cy Young award.
Skenes had a 1.97 ERA last season, posting an MLB-leading 1.97 ERA and 217 ERA+.
Even still, Yamamoto took. huge step forward and will look to do so again in 2026. That won’t be his only focus this season, though, as the Dodgers are also chasing a historic three-peat in the coming season.
Is Yoshinobu Yamamoto the best starter on the team right now?
LA Baseball Report
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