LOS ANGELES DODGERS GEAR UP FOR A THIRD STRAIGHT WORLD SERIES PUSH WITH YAMAMOTO EYEING NL CY YOUNG AWARD
The Los Angeles Dodgers are heading into a season with high expectations as they aim to win their third consecutive World Series title. A major part of their pitching rotation is Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who is not only looking to help secure the championship but is also on a quest to claim the National League Cy Young Award.
In a highly anticipated spring training appearance, Yamamoto delivered a strong performance on Friday, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. The Dodgers faced the San Francisco Giants, and although they suffered a 12-4 loss, Yamamoto made his mark. He pitched three innings, striking out four batters, allowing five hits and two runs, and throwing 52 pitches. This final appearance before heading off to the World Baseball Classic showed just how ready Yamamoto is for the upcoming season and his commitment to giving his best to Team Japan.
Yamamoto’s Role in the World Baseball Classic
Now, as Yamamoto shifts focus to representing Japan in the World Baseball Classic (WBC), all eyes will be on his performance in the global tournament. Japan is looking to repeat as WBC champions after a thrilling victory in 2023. Yamamoto’s partnership with Shohei Ohtani will be one of the most exciting storylines of the competition, as the Dodgers teammates take the mound together for their national team.
Yamamoto’s credentials going into the WBC are formidable. In the 2025 MLB season, he finished with a 12-8 record, a 2.49 ERA, and 208 strikeouts. His stellar performance helped the Dodgers secure the World Series title, with Yamamoto earning World Series MVP honors in a thrilling seven-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays. With this impressive track record, his eyes are firmly set on earning the NL Cy Young Award and continuing to contribute to the Dodgers’ championship chase.
Spring Training and WBC: A Busy Schedule for Yamamoto
As the World Baseball Classic kicks off on March 5, Yamamoto will be one of several Dodgers players representing their countries. Shohei Ohtani will join him on Team Japan, while Will Smith will represent Team USA. Other Dodgers players, including Edwin DÃaz (Puerto Rico), Hyeseong Kim (South Korea), Antonio Knowles (Great Britain), and Jake Gelof (Israel), will also be competing in the international tournament.
The WBC will run until March 17, and Yamamoto will be looking to showcase his talent on the world stage while preparing for what promises to be a pivotal 2026 MLB season. Yamamoto’s contribution to Team Japan will not only be important for the WBC, but will also serve as a valuable experience that could carry over into the upcoming MLB season.
Dodgers’ Spring Training and Season Opener
While the World Baseball Classic provides an exciting distraction, the Dodgers’ spring training continues until March 24. The team will use the remainder of this time to finalize their roster and build chemistry, with an eye on the 2026 season opener, which will be at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 26. With Yamamoto, Ohtani, and other key players leading the way, the Dodgers will look to dominate the season and pursue that third consecutive World Series title.
As Yamamoto continues to represent both his country and his MLB team, the Dodgers’ pitching rotation looks set to be one of the most formidable in the league. Yamamoto’s focus on the Cy Young could propel him to even greater heights, but his ultimate goal is to contribute to a team that is more than capable of bringing home another World Series trophy.
