So far in the 2025 MLB season, Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s rise from Japanese superstar to big-league ace appears to be straight out of a storybook. After taking some time to adjust during his first year in the majors in 2024, he rediscovered his rhythm down the line and played a key role in the Dodgers’ World Series victory.
Now, as the reigning champions attempt to make it two in a row, Yamamoto has taken things to the next level, and the rest of the league is paying attention.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto Establishing Himself as an MLB Star
In the early part of the season, Yamamoto has firmly planted himself in the Cy Young conversation and even some respect for the MVP. Yamamoto tossed six scoreless innings against the Atlanta Braves on Friday, which lowered his ERA to 0.90.
His ERA doesn’t even tell the full story. In 40 innings, the Japanese ace has struck out 49 hitters with 13 walks across seven starts. Additionally, he has been one of the few Dodgers pitchers to stay healthy this season.
The NL Pitcher of the Month, Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Congratulations Yoshinobu on an incredible start to the season! pic.twitter.com/Krn0Uowu5Z
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers)
The league has taken note of his dominance. MLB announced that Yamamoto earned NL Pitcher of the Month due to his stellar numbers.
Yamamoto’s performance against Atlanta on Friday served as just another reminder of his potential. Faced with one of the National League’s deepest and most dangerous lineups, he surrendered only one hit, allowed zero runs, and posted six strikeouts and two walks in six innings.
He alternated his fastball with crisp breaking pitches, leaving Braves batters guessing all night. His command, calmness, and ability to limit strong contact have earned him a spot among the game’s most dominant pitchers.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Expelliarmus 79mph Curveball. 🪄 pic.twitter.com/bkWzSYF7Mv
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja)
Dodgers Taking Over National League West
The Dodgers began Friday on top of the National League West division with a 21-10 record. While nothing appears certain in such a competitive division, Yamamoto having a breakout season would do wonders for the Dodgers’ quest to repeat.
On top of Yamamoto, Los Angeles has fellow Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki making strides in his first season pitching in the United States. Even more, the Dodgers still expect Shohei Ohtani to make his much-anticipated return to the mound later this season, and ideally be ready for October.
Yamamoto’s breakout and the Dodgers’ strong (even if disappointing) start have energized fans who are hungry for the franchise’s first back-to-back championships in club history. The club’s investment in Yamamoto, who signed a record-setting 12-year, $325 million deal, now appears to be paying off in full. If his current trajectory holds, he won’t just be a key piece of a title contender; he’ll be the centerpiece of one of the best teams in baseball.
As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Los Angeles. With Yamamoto dealing, the Dodgers look like a juggernaut once again. And if October baseball runs through Chavez Ravine, the rest of the league better be ready.