The legend of Yoshinobu Yamamoto reached mythical heights last October, when the Los Angeles Dodgers captured their second consecutive World Series title and the Japanese superstar delivered one of the most unforgettable postseason pitching performances in MLB history.

Across six appearances, Yamamoto went 5–1 with a microscopic 1.45 ERA, striking out 33 batters and solidifying himself as the heartbeat of the Dodgers’ October run, earning the 2025 World Series MVP in the seven-game triumph over the Toronto Blue Jays.

But the moment that will forever define him came when he started Game 6 to force a decisive Game 7 — then astonishingly returned the very next day out of the bullpen, defying every expectation of human endurance and competitive will.

That back-to-back display entered postseason lore instantly, drawing comparisons to the gritty legends of past eras and establishing Yamamoto as one of the most captivating pitchers of his generation.

Now the question becomes: what does Yamamoto do for an encore? According to reporters and teammates, the answer appears clear — he wants to win the World Baseball Classic with Team Japan and pursue a Cy Young Award in the 2026 season.

During a Feb. 20 appearance on “Foul Territory,” Jack Harris of the California Post shared insights from inside Dodgers camp, noting the physical and mental evolution Yamamoto has undergone since his historic postseason.

Harris said Yamamoto feels fully recovered, energized, and even stronger after the offseason, quoting the ace saying, “I felt good. I went through the offseason and my body felt strong,” a statement reflecting both confidence and readiness for massive workloads.

Observers have noticed a more physically imposing version of Yamamoto at spring camp — stronger shoulders, thicker frame, and sharper explosiveness — indications that he trained with intention ahead of a season that includes both WBC pressure and MLB expectations.

Harris noted that optimism around Dodgers camp is “sky-high,” with staff members expressing total confidence that Yamamoto can handle both WBC innings and the strain of another full MLB season without losing velocity or command.

The ace himself has already voiced his ambition, saying he “would love to compete for a Cy Young Award,” setting the stage for a season defined by personal legacy and national pride.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has echoed that sentiment, naming Yamamoto among the pitchers he believes are capable of winning the Cy Young in 2026, a nod that carries weight inside one of baseball’s most demanding organizations.

Roberts praised Yamamoto’s consistency, preparation, and competitive DNA, implying that last October was simply a preview of what is possible when the right-hander operates at peak confidence and physical strength.

Harris also detailed Yamamoto’s unique training regimen, which relies heavily on bodyweight exercises — handstands, dynamic core routines, controlled push-up variations, and functional balance movements designed to build stability without overloading joints.

This unconventional approach is strongly influenced by his personal trainer, the same specialist who played a crucial role in convincing Yamamoto to test his arm the day after Game 6 — ultimately leading to his heroic bullpen appearance in Game 7.

Yamamoto trains with precision and creativity, focusing on joint mobility, fluid movement, and neuromuscular control rather than traditional heavy lifting, a method that has helped him maintain elite endurance and injury resistance in both NPB and MLB.

For a pitcher who thrives on explosive command, late movement, and flawless mechanics, the training philosophy has proven remarkably effective, further strengthening his durability entering his third big-league campaign.

While Yamamoto commands headlines, fellow Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki has also turned heads at Dodgers camp, showing off electric stuff that impressed catcher Will Smith and further solidified his place in the rotation.

Smith told SportsNet LA that Sasaki “looks good,” highlighting the right-hander’s blistering fastball, devastating splitter, and ongoing development of a cutter/slider hybrid designed to give hitters a different movement profile.

“He’s throwing the ball hard. The fastball looks really good. The splitter looks really good,” Smith said, noting that Sasaki appears sharper, more measured, and more comfortable compared to his rookie season.

What stood out most was Sasaki’s increased confidence — a sign that he finally understands the pace, mechanics, and mentality required to dominate MLB hitters consistently, not just in flashes.

Smith also emphasized that Sasaki has grown mentally, developing better mound presence and showing a deeper understanding of how to approach hitters strategically across multiple innings and multiple outings.

The catcher noted that Sasaki’s postseason success gave him the validation he needed, helping him “get his feet wet,” build internal belief, and transition from raw firepower to a complete pitcher capable of sustaining excellence.

With Sasaki and Yamamoto anchoring the rotation, the Dodgers possess one of the most dynamic pitching duos in Major League Baseball — a combination of precision, power, and cultural synergy that has electrified fans and analysts.

Both pitchers arrive at the 2026 season with immense expectations, but also a rare opportunity to define the identity of a franchise already chasing its third straight championship.

Yamamoto’s WBC participation adds an extra layer of global intrigue, as he will be counted on to lead Team Japan on the biggest international stage, carrying not only Dodgers hopes but the pride of an entire baseball-obsessed nation.

The Japanese ace has already spoken about how meaningful it would be to bring home a WBC championship, and teammates say he approaches the tournament with the same intensity he brings to October baseball.

For Japan, pairing Yamamoto and Sasaki in the WBC rotation represents a dream alignment — two generational arms, one defined by precision and the other by raw firepower, leading a country that treats the tournament with unmatched reverence.

Baseball’s global stage has never been brighter, and Yamamoto has every intention of owning it.

As the Dodgers gear up for 2026, the storyline is clear: Yamamoto is not satisfied with postseason glory alone — he wants a Cy Young, a WBC title, and the recognition as the best pitcher alive.

The mindset, the preparation, the physical transformation, and the momentum from last October all indicate that his ambitions are far more than talk.

If Yamamoto continues on this trajectory, baseball could soon witness the peak of a pitcher whose blend of skill, discipline, and competitive fire places him in rare historical company.

The Dodgers know it, Japan knows it, the league knows it — and Yamamoto knows it most of all.