Yoshinobu Yamamoto

{{Infobox baseball player

| name = Yoshinobu Yamamoto

| image = Dodgers at Nationals (53676737736).jpg

| image_size =

| caption = Yamamoto with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024

| position = Pitcher

| team = Los Angeles Dodgers

| number = 18

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1998|8|17}}

| birth_place = Bizen, Okayama, Japan

| bats = Right

| throws = Right

| debutleague = NPB

| debutdate = August 20

| debutyear = 2017

| debutteam = Orix Buffaloes

| debut2league = MLB

| debut2date = March 21

| debut2year = 2024

| debut2team = Los Angeles Dodgers

| statyear = 2023 season

| statleague = NPB

| stat1label = Win–loss record

| stat1value = 70–29

| stat2label = Earned run average

| stat2value = 1.82

| stat3label = Strikeouts

| stat3value = 922

| stat2year = April 25, 2025

| stat2league = MLB

| stat21label = Win–loss record

| stat21value = 10–4

| stat22label = Earned run average

| stat22value = 2.47

| stat23label = Strikeouts

| stat23value = 148

| teams =

Orix Buffaloes ({{npby|2017}}–{{npby|2023}})
Los Angeles Dodgers ({{mlby|2024}}–present)

| awards =

;NPB

5× NPB All-Star ({{npby|2018}}, {{npby|2019}}, {{npby|2021}}–{{npby|2023}})
Japan Series champion (2022)
3× Japanese Triple Crown ({{npby|2021}}–{{npby|2023}})
3× Pacific League MVP ({{npby|2021}}–{{npby|2023}})
3× Eiji Sawamura Award ({{npby|2021}}–{{npby|2023}})
3× Best Nine Award ({{npby|2021}}–{{npby|2023}})
3× Pacific League Golden Glove Award ({{npby|2021}}–{{npby|2023}})
3× Best Battery Award with Catcher Kenya Wakatsuki ({{npby|2021}}–{{npby|2023}})
4× Pacific League ERA champion ({{npby|2019}}, {{npby|2021}}–{{npby|2023}})
4× Pacific League strikeout champion ({{npby|2020}}–{{npby|2023}})
3× Pacific League wins champion ({{npby|2021}}–{{npby|2023}})
Interleague play MVP (2021)
Two no-hitters ({{nowrap|June 18, 2022}}, {{nowrap|September 9, 2023}})

;MLB

World Series champion ({{wsy|2024}})

;International

Tokyo 2020 All-Olympic Baseball Team ({{baseball year|2021}})

| medaltemplates =

{{Medal|Country|{{bb|JPN}}}}

{{MedalGold| 2019 Tokyo | Team }}}}

Yoshinobu Yamamoto (山本由伸, Yamamoto Yoshinobu, born August 17, 1998) is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He 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 Most Valuable Player Awards, three Eiji Sawamura Awards, and three Triple Crowns, leading the league in wins, strikeouts, and earned run average in each of those seasons. He also threw two no-hitters and was a key figure in Orix’s 2022 Japan Series championship.

Following the 2023 season, Yamamoto was posted to MLB and signed a 12-year, $325 million contract with the Dodgers—the largest ever for a pitcher at the time. In his rookie MLB season, he contributed to Los Angeles’ 2024 World Series title, becoming the first player in baseball history to win a World Series, an Olympic gold medal, and a World Baseball Classic title. Internationally, he has represented Japan in multiple tournaments, earning gold medals at the 2019 WBSC Premier12, the 2020 Summer Olympics, and the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Professional career

=Orix Buffaloes=

File:Bs Yoshinobu Yamamoto 2019092202.jpg

Yamamoto made his Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) debut on August 20, 2017, three days after his 19th birthday, for the Orix Buffaloes of the Pacific League. He pitched in eight games for the Buffaloes farm team in the Western League and made five starts for the main club, with a 2.35 ERA.

In 2018, he pitched primarily in relief, appearing in 60 games, with a 2.10 ERA. He also was selected to appear in the Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star Series{{cite web|url=https://full-count.jp/2018/07/02/post145587/|title=オリ山本、アルバースが球宴出場　「衝撃を与えられるように全力で」|work=full count|date=July 2, 2018|accessdate=March 18, 2025|archive-date=March 18, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318153701/https://full-count.jp/2018/07/02/post145587/|url-status=live}} and finished second in rookie of the year voting.{{cite web|url=https://baseballking.jp/ns/169544/|title=オリックスの“神童”山本由伸「二十歳の決意」|date=October 22, 2018|accessdate=March 18, 2025}} The following season, he returned to the starting rotation, with a 8–7 record, 1.99 ERA and 133 strikeouts in 21 games. In the pandemic shortened 2020 season, he was 8–4 in 18 appearances with a 2.20 ERA.

Yamamoto finished the 2021 season with an 18–5 record and 206 strikeouts across {{frac|193|2|3}} innings pitched. His 1.39 earned run average (ERA) led the league for the season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=yamamo004yos|title=Yoshinobu Yamamoto Japanese Leagues Statistics & History|access-date=March 11, 2022|archive-date=November 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110145321/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=yamamo004yos|url-status=live}} Yamamoto won the Pacific League Most Valuable Player Award following the season.{{cite web | last=Coskrey | first=Jason | title=Rising stars Munetaka Murakami and Yoshinobu Yamamoto named MVPs of 2021 NPB season | website=The Japan Times | date=2021-12-15 | url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2021/12/15/baseball/japanese-baseball/npb-mvp-roy/ | access-date=2024-10-21}}

On June 18, 2022, Yamamoto threw the fourth no-hitter in NPB that year, in a 2–0 win over the Saitama Seibu Lions.{{cite web | title=Buffaloes Hurler Yoshinobu Yamamoto Tosses No-Hitter Against Lions | website=JAPAN Forward | date=2022-06-18 | url=https://japan-forward.com/baseball-buffaloes-hurler-yoshinobu-yamamoto-tosses-no-hitter-against-lions/ | access-date=2024-10-21 | archive-date=June 24, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624215640/https://japan-forward.com/baseball-buffaloes-hurler-yoshinobu-yamamoto-tosses-no-hitter-against-lions/ | url-status=live }} In 26 starts for Orix in 2022, Yamamoto registered a 15–5 record and 1.68 ERA with 205 strikeouts in 193 innings pitched. Following the season, he was named the Eiji Sawamura Award winner for the second consecutive season.{{Cite web|title=Orix ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto wins second straight Sawamura Award|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2022/10/25/baseball/japanese-baseball/sawamura-yamamoto-buffaloes/|access-date=June 29, 2023|website=japantimes.co.jp|language=en|archive-date=June 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629093423/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2022/10/25/baseball/japanese-baseball/sawamura-yamamoto-buffaloes/|url-status=live}} He also won his second consecutive pitching Triple Crown.

On September 9, 2023, Yamamoto threw his second NPB career no-hitter, blanking the Chiba Lotte Marines. He became the first pitcher in NPB history to throw no-hitters in consecutive seasons.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-10 |title=Japan's Yamamoto treats MLB execs to no-hitter |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38365427/japan-yoshinobu-yamamoto-eyeing-move-mlb-throws-no-hitter-yoshinobu-yamamoto-throws-no-hitter-yanks-cashman-other-execs-handayoshinobu-yamamoto-throws-no-hitter-yanks-cashman-other-execs-hand |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |language=en |archive-date=September 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230911021218/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38365427/japan-yoshinobu-yamamoto-eyeing-move-mlb-throws-no-hitter-yoshinobu-yamamoto-throws-no-hitter-yanks-cashman-other-execs-handayoshinobu-yamamoto-throws-no-hitter-yanks-cashman-other-execs-hand |url-status=live }}

Yamamoto pitched in Game 1 of the 2023 Japan Series when he surrendered seven runs in an 8–0 loss. He followed that up with a Game 6 performance in which he threw 138 pitches for a Japan Series-record 14 strikeouts as the Buffaloes tied the series at three games apiece with a 5–1 win.{{Cite news |date=2023-11-04 |title=Baseball: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Buffaloes send Japan Series to Game 7 |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231104/p2g/00m/0sp/043000c |url-status=dead |access-date=2023-11-06 |work=Mainichi Daily News |language=en |archive-date=November 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106043132/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231104/p2g/00m/0sp/043000c }}{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Brian |date=November 5, 2023 |title=Yamamoto notches Japan Series-record 14 K's in 138-pitch CG |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/yoshinobu-yamamoto-throws-complete-game-in-japan-series?msockid=245d1f4349e6666c2baf0a4e484567c0 |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=MLB.com |language=en}} On November 5, the same day as the Buffaloes' Game 7 and series-deciding defeat at the hands of the Hanshin Tigers, the Buffaloes announced that Yamamoto would be posted to MLB.{{Cite web |title=山本由伸投手の「ポスティング」について |url=https://www.buffaloes.co.jp/news/detail/202300359309.html |access-date=2023-11-06 |website=オリックス・バファローズ |language=ja |archive-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105141551/https://www.buffaloes.co.jp/news/detail/202300359309.html |url-status=live }} He was officially posted fifteen days later on November 20.{{Cite news |first=Mark |last=Polishuk |date=2023-11-20 |title=Yoshinobu Yamamoto Officially Posted By Orix Buffaloes |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/11/orix-buffaloes-expected-to-post-yoshinobu-yamamoto-on-november-20.html |access-date=2023-11-20 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}

=Los Angeles Dodgers=

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Yamamoto to a 12-year, $325 million contract on December 27, 2023. The Dodgers also had to pay a $50.625 million posting fee to the Orix Buffaloes.{{cite web | url=https://apnews.com/article/yamamoto-dodgers-contract-6db9b90240352c39ebe08830c8c03c01 | title=Yamamoto's contract with Dodgers includes 2 opt outs, but timing depends on elbow health | website=Associated Press News | date=2 January 2024 }}{{cite web | last=Chen | first=Sonja | title=Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dodgers agree to free-agent deal | website=MLB.com | date=2023-12-27 | url=https://www.mlb.com/news/yoshinobu-yamamoto-dodgers-free-agent-deal | access-date=2024-10-21}}{{Cite web |agency=Associated Press |last=Lloyd |first=Jonathan |date=2023-12-27 |title=Dodgers make it official, announce 12-year contract with pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto |url=https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/sports/dodgers-pitcher-yoshinobu-yamamoto/3298916/ |access-date=2023-12-27 |website=NBC Los Angeles |language=en-US}}

Yamamoto made his major league debut on March 21, 2024 against the San Diego Padres at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea as part of the MLB World Tour. He allowed five runs on four hits and a walk in only one inning of work with two strikeouts, the first of which was Jurickson Profar.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/boxscore/_/gameId/401568470|title=Padres vs Dodgers (March 21, 2024|work=ESPN.com|accessdate=March 21, 2024}} The five runs allowed were the most ever by a Dodgers starter in their major league debut pitching an inning or less.{{cite web|url=https://stathead.com/tiny/ZiNpQ|title=For single games, Playing for LAD, in the regular season, in career No. 1 or less, requiring Innings Pitched <= 1, sorted by descending Runs Allowed.|work=Stathead Baseball|accessdate=March 21, 2024}} On April 6, against the Chicago Cubs, Yamamoto picked up his first MLB win. He struck out eight while allowing just three hits in five scoreless innings, retiring the last ten batters he faced.{{Cite web |title=MLB Gameday: Dodgers 4, Cubs 1 Final Score (04/06/2024) |url=https://www.mlb.com/gameday/dodgers-vs-cubs/2024/04/06/746896/final/box |access-date=2024-05-03 |website=MLB.com |language=en |archive-date=May 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503080328/https://www.mlb.com/gameday/dodgers-vs-cubs/2024/04/06/746896/final/box |url-status=live }}

Yamamoto left his June 15 start after only two innings and was placed on the injured list the next day with a strained rotator cuff in his right shoulder{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/yoshinobu-yamamoto-placed-on-injured-list-with-triceps-injury|title=Yamamoto placed on IL with strained rotator cuff|work=mlb.com|first=Sarah|last=Wexler|date=June 16, 2024|accessdate=June 16, 2024|archive-date=June 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616230652/https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/yoshinobu-yamamoto-placed-on-injured-list-with-triceps-injury|url-status=live}} He was transferred to the 60–day injured list in July 13.{{Cite web |last=Deeds |first=Nick |date=July 13, 2024 |title=Dodgers Claim Brent Honeywell Jr. Off Waivers From Pirates |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/07/dodgers-claim-brent-honeywell-jr-off-waivers-from-pirates.html |access-date=July 15, 2024 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en}} Yamamoto was activated off the injured list on September 10.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/09/dodgers-activate-yoshinobu-yamamoto-designate-nick-ramirez.html|title=Dodgers Activate Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Designate Nick Ramirez|work=MLB Trade Rumors|first=Anthony|last=Franco|date=September 10, 2024|accessdate=September 10, 2024|archive-date=September 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910214120/https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/09/dodgers-activate-yoshinobu-yamamoto-designate-nick-ramirez.html|url-status=live}} In 18 starts for the Dodgers in 2024, he was 7–2 with a 3.00 ERA and 105 strikeouts.{{cite web |title=Yoshinobu Yamamoto |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/y/yamamyo01.shtml |accessdate=September 29, 2024 |work=Baseball Reference |archive-date=September 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928045416/https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/y/yamamyo01.shtml |url-status=live }} He made his playoff debut on October 5, in Game 1 of the National League Division Series, giving up five runs to the Padres in three innings.{{Cite web |title=Yoshinobu Yamamoto 2024 Postseason Pitching Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=yamamyo01&t=p&post=1 |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=December 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202215651/https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=yamamyo01&t=p&post=1 |url-status=live }} In his second start of the series, on October 12, he picked up his first postseason win, striking out two and allowed just two hits in five scoreless innings, retiring the last seven batters he faced, as the Dodgers won the series.{{Cite web |title=MLB Gameday: Padres 0, Dodgers 2 Final Score (10/11/2024) |url=https://www.mlb.com/gameday/padres-vs-dodgers/2024/10/11/775317/final/box |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=mlb.com |language=en |archive-date=November 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241107025831/https://www.mlb.com/gameday/padres-vs-dodgers/2024/10/11/775317/final/box |url-status=live }} He then made one start, in Game 4, in the National League Championship Series, allowing two runs on four hits in {{fraction|4|1|3}} innings, while striking out eight batters.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/live/dodgers-new-york-mets-nlcs-game-4-live-updates-score-tv-channel-betting-odds|title=Dodgers dominate Mets in Game 4 of NLCS, moving to the cusp of World Series|work=Los Angeles Times|first=Jack and Mike DiGiovanna|last=Harris|date=October 17, 2024|accessdate=October 29, 2024}} In Game 2 of the 2024 World Series against the New York Yankees, Yamamoto pitched {{fraction|6|1|3}} innings, allowing just one run on one hit (a solo home run by Juan Soto).{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/yoshinobu-yamamoto-world-series-game-2-start|title=Yamamoto nearly untouchable in stifling World Series debut|work=mlb.com|first=AJ|last=Cassavell|date=October 26, 2024|accessdate=October 29, 2024|archive-date=November 13, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113163755/https://www.mlb.com/news/yoshinobu-yamamoto-world-series-game-2-start|url-status=live}}

Yamamoto started for the Dodgers on opening day in 2025 against the Chicago Cubs in the MLB Tokyo Series.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/yoshinobu-yamamoto-and-shota-imanaga-tokyo-series-preview|title=Yamamoto, Imanaga primed for Tokyo Series showdown|first=Brent|last=Maguire|work=mlb.com|date=March 17, 2025|accessdate=March 18, 2025}} In the game, he pitched five innings, allowing one run on three hits (an RBI double by Miguel Amaya), and struck out four batters to pick up the win.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-dodgers-beat-cubs-in-tokyo-series-2025-opener|title=Ohtani ignites Dodgers, keys winning rally in Tokyo Series Opener|first=Sonya|last=Chen|work=mlb.com|date=March 18, 2025|accessdate=March 18, 2025|archive-date=March 18, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318133502/https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-dodgers-beat-cubs-in-tokyo-series-2025-opener|url-status=live}} On April 18, in a win against the Texas Rangers, Yamamoto matched his career high of 10 strikeouts in 7 innings.{{Cite web |first=Chen|last=Sonja|title=Yamamoto outduels deGrom with 10-K scoreless gem |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/yoshinobu-yamamoto-strikes-out-10-in-dodgers-win-vs-rangers |date=2025-04-19|access-date=2025-04-20 |website=MLB.com |language=en|archive-date=2025-04-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250420162202/https://www.mlb.com/news/yoshinobu-yamamoto-strikes-out-10-in-dodgers-win-vs-rangers|url-status=live}}

International career

Yamamoto has represented Japan in international tournaments, including the 2019 WBSC Premier12,{{cite web | url=http://www.japan-baseball.jp/jp/news/press/20190218_1.html | title=ENEOS 侍ジャパンシリーズ2019「日本 vs メキシコ」に出場するメンバー28名が決定 | work=野球日本代表侍ジャパンオフィシャルサイト | language=ja | date=February 18, 2019 | access-date=February 27, 2019 | archive-date=May 2, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502125137/http://www.japan-baseball.jp/jp/news/press/20190218_1.html | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=http://www.japan-baseball.jp/jp/news/press/20191001_4.html | title=「ENEOS 侍ジャパンシリーズ2019」出場選手決定について | work=野球日本代表侍ジャパンオフィシャルサイト | language=ja | date=October 1, 2019 | access-date=October 12, 2019 | archive-date=October 12, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012101339/http://www.japan-baseball.jp/jp/news/press/20191001_4.html | url-status=live }} the 2020 Summer Olympics, and the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC). He pitch five times out of the bullpen in the 2019 Premier12, which Japan won. In the Olympics, Yamamoto pitched in two games, allowing two runs and striking out 18 batters in {{fraction|11|2|3}} innings as Japan won gold in Tokyo.{{Cite web |title=Yoshinobu Yamamoto: "I couldn't believe we won the Olympic gold medal" |url=https://www.wbsc.org/en/news/yoshinobu-yamamoto-i-couldnt-believe-we-won-the-olympic-gold-medal- |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=World Baseball Softball Confederation |language=en |archive-date=November 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130211211/https://www.wbsc.org/en/news/yoshinobu-yamamoto-i-couldnt-believe-we-won-the-olympic-gold-medal- |url-status=live }} Yamamoto was named to the All-Olympic Baseball Team.{{cite web|url=https://www.wbsc.org/en/events/2021-baseball-olympic-games/news/wbsc-names-mvp-and-tokyo-2020-all-olympic-baseball-team|title=WBSC names MVP and Tokyo 2020 All-Olympic Baseball Team|work=WBSC|date=August 7, 2021|accessdate=January 9, 2024}}

Yamamoto pitched in two games, starting one, in the 2023 WBC. He allowed two runs in {{fraction|7|1|3}} innings.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/world-baseball-classic/stats/pitching|title=2023 WBC Player Pitching Stats|work=mlb.com|accessdate=January 9, 2024}} Japan again won gold.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/35906234/world-baseball-classic-final-japan-vs-usa-2023|title=Japan wins 2023 WBC: Updates, highlights, takeaways and more|work=ESPN.com|date=March 21, 2023|accessdate=January 9, 2024|archive-date=March 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322025016/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/35906234/world-baseball-classic-final-japan-vs-usa-2023|url-status=live}}

Pitching style

File:Yamamoto Yoshinobu Orix Buffaloes 20220514.jpg

Yamamoto is a {{convert|5|ft|10|in|adj=on}}, {{convert|176|lbs|adj=on}} right-handed pitcher.{{Cite web |title=Yoshinobu Yamamoto Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/player/yoshinobu-yamamoto-808967 |access-date=2024-06-14 |website=MLB.com |language=en}} With a three-quarters delivery, he throws a fastball averaging 95 mph (153 km/h),{{cite web | url=https://full-count.jp/2023/11/04/post1466721/ | title=阪神が山本由伸を"恐れない"ワケ初戦Ko裏付ける「.265」…12球団最強の驚愕数値 | date=4 November 2023 | access-date=December 11, 2023 | archive-date=December 11, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211181915/https://full-count.jp/2023/11/04/post1466721/ | url-status=live }} which tops out at 99 mph (159 km/h),{{cite web | url=https://hochi.news/articles/20220709-OHT1T51225.html | title=【オリックス】山本由伸、自己最速１５９キロ！球団日本人最速も更新８回１１Ｋ両リーグ最多タイ９勝 | date=9 July 2022 | access-date=December 6, 2022 | archive-date=December 6, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206023643/https://hochi.news/articles/20220709-OHT1T51225.html | url-status=live }} a deceptive splitter, a cutter, and a curveball.{{Cite web|url=https://legacy.baseballprospectus.com/prospects/eyewitness_pit.php?reportid=608|title=Baseball Prospectus | | Eyewitness Scouting Report|access-date=October 29, 2021|archive-date=March 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318063621/https://legacy.baseballprospectus.com/prospects/eyewitness_pit.php?reportid=608|url-status=live}} Prior to playing in MLB, scouts said that his splitter would be a legitimate out-pitch. He also has great command,{{cite web | last=Anderson | first=R.J. | title=2023 World Baseball Classic: Four international prospects to watch, including NPB MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto | website=CBSSports.com | date=2023-02-17 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/2023-world-baseball-classic-four-international-prospects-to-watch-including-npb-mvp-yoshinobu-yamamoto/ | access-date=2025-01-25 | archive-date=March 18, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318072558/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/2023-world-baseball-classic-four-international-prospects-to-watch-including-npb-mvp-yoshinobu-yamamoto/ | url-status=live }} allowing 2.1 walks per 9 innings in his NPB career{{Cite web |title=Yoshinobu Yamamoto Japanese & Minor Leagues Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=yamamo004yos |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110145321/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=yamamo004yos |url-status=live }} and 2.2 walks per 9 innings in his first MLB season.

Personal life

Yamamoto was born in Bizen, Okayama, Japan. He was given the first name Yoshinobu, combining Yoshi from his mother's name and Nobu from his father's name.