Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Player Information

Yoshinobu Yamamoto is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Orix Buffaloes, where he became one of the most decorated pitchers in league history. Between 2021 and 2023, Yamamoto won three consecutive Pacific League MVP Awards, three Eiji Sawamura Awards, and three Triple Crowns, leading the league in wins, strikeouts, and earned run average in each of those seasons. In his rookie MLB season, he contributed to the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series title and was named the World Series MVP in 2025.
Full Name :
Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Birthdate :
17 August 1998
Birthplace :
Bizen, Okayama, Japan
Gender :
Male
Height (cm) :
178
Weight (kg) :
80
Nationality :
Japanese
Career Started :
2017
Notable Achievements :
5× NPB All-Star (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023), Japan Series champion (2022), 3× Triple Crown (2021, 2022, 2023), 3× Pacific League MVP (2021, 2022, 2023), 3× Eiji Sawamura Award (2021, 2022, 2023), 3× Best Nine Award (2021, 2022, 2023), 3× Pacific League Golden Glove Award (2021, 2022, 2023), 3× Best Battery Award with Catcher Kenya Wakatsuki (2021, 2022, 2023), 4× Pacific League ERA champion (2019, 2021, 2022, 2023), 4× Pacific League strikeout champion (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023), 3× Pacific League wins champion (2021, 2022, 2023), Interleague play MVP (2021), Two no-hitters (2022, 2023)
Current Team :
Los Angeles Dodgers
Previous Teams :
Orix Buffaloes (From 2017, To 2023)
Active Status :
From - 2017, To - Present
Contract :
Contract Year 2024 to 2035, Salary $325,000,000 USD

Biography

Yoshinobu Yamamoto is a prominent MLB pitcher, having made his debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 21, 2024. Known for his exceptional skills, he has quickly established himself with a career record of 13-5 and an impressive 2.57 earned run average over 154 innings. In the 2025 season, he achieved a remarkable 1.97 ERA. With a substantial net worth of $120 million and a lucrative contract, his impact on the game continues to grow. Further insights into his odyssey and achievements await.

Early Life

Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s early life was characterized by a strong dedication to baseball, beginning at a young age.

Throughout his childhood, he underwent rigorous training that refined his pitching skills and nurtured his competitive spirit.

His commitment to the sport led him to be recognized as a top pitching prospect in Japan, setting the foundation for his future success as a professional athlete.

Yamamoto’s upbringing in a culture that deeply values baseball played an important role in shaping his abilities and aspirations on the field.

Family Life

Yoshinobu Yamamoto was raised in a supportive family environment that played a crucial role in nurturing his passion for baseball.

Although he keeps details about his family private, it is known that he often expresses gratitude towards his parents for their sacrifices and encouragement throughout his path to becoming a professional athlete.

This strong family support has inspired his work ethic and resolve, contributing to his success in the sport.

Career

Yoshinobu Yamamoto made his MLB debut on March 21, 2024, with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He quickly established himself as an impressive pitcher, amassing a career record of 13 wins and 5 losses, complemented by an impressive 2.57 earned run average (ERA) and a walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) of 1.03 over 154 innings.

In the 2025 season, he has further excelled, displaying a remarkable 1.97 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP across 64 innings, which has placed him among the top performers in the National League. His exceptional skills, particularly with his splitter, have resulted in 180 strikeouts throughout his career.

Remarkably, he was recognized as the April National League Pitcher of the Month in 2025 for his outstanding performance on the mound.

Net Worth

As of 2025, Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s net worth is estimated to be around $120 million, markedly enhanced by his $14.2 million annual salary with the Los Angeles Dodgers and a lucrative 12-year, $325 million contract.

His top career earnings from Major League Baseball include $9.2 million in 2024, $8.5 million in 2023, $7.7 million in 2022, $6.5 million in 2021, and $5.3 million in 2020.

These considerable earnings, along with potential endorsements, position Yoshinobu Yamamoto as one of the wealthiest players in the league, and his net worth is expected to increase greatly as he continues to excel in his career.