Yoshinobu Yamamoto Doesn’t See Himself as a Dodgers Legend - But His Resume Tells a Different Story
Yoshinobu Yamamoto isn’t one to bask in the spotlight. When asked recently if he considers himself a Dodgers legend, the 25-year-old right-hander didn’t say a word - just shook his head and ended the conversation there.
No bravado, no elaborate explanation. Just a quiet refusal to wear a crown others might already be placing on his head.
But here’s the thing: whether or not Yamamoto sees himself that way, his performance over the last two seasons - especially in 2025 - has already etched his name into Dodgers lore.
A Postseason for the Ages
Let’s start with the obvious: back-to-back World Series titles, and a World Series MVP to go with the 2025 championship. Yamamoto didn’t just contribute - he dominated.
He threw two complete games in the NLCS and World Series, and across the entire postseason, he posted a 1.45 ERA over 37.1 innings. That’s not just good, that’s postseason hero status.
In the World Series alone, he allowed just two runs over 17.2 innings. And then there’s this: he closed out Game 7 without taking a full day of rest.
That’s the kind of grit and guts that fans remember for decades. It's the stuff of October legends - even if Yamamoto won’t call himself one.
Regular Season Excellence
Yamamoto’s 2025 wasn’t just about turning it on in the playoffs. He was one of the best arms in the league all year long.
In 30 starts, he logged 173.2 innings with a 2.49 ERA. He reached the 200-strikeout milestone for the first time in his MLB career and nearly tripled his bWAR from his rookie season - all in just 12 more starts. That leap earned him his first All-Star nod and a third-place finish in the NL Cy Young voting.
That’s a massive step forward for a pitcher who was already drawing plenty of attention in his debut season. It’s not just the stats - it’s the command, the poise, the ability to rise to the moment. Yamamoto checks every box.
Eyes on the Cy Young - and More
So what’s next for Yamamoto? The Cy Young is very much in play. He’s already among the elite, and if he continues on this upward trajectory, there's no reason he can’t take home the award in 2026.
But the path won’t be easy. Paul Skenes is setting the bar high - his 1.97 ERA and league-leading 217 ERA+ last season speak for themselves. Yamamoto will need to outduel one of the most electric young arms in the game to claim the hardware.
Still, Yamamoto’s ceiling is sky-high. He made a massive leap from Year 1 to Year 2, and if he levels up again, the Cy Young conversation could tilt in his favor.
Chasing History in L.A.
Of course, individual accolades aren’t the only thing on Yamamoto’s radar. The Dodgers are staring down a chance at a three-peat - a feat that would put this current run in rarefied air. And if they get there, you can bet Yamamoto will be right in the middle of it.
So no, he doesn’t call himself a legend. But in just two seasons, Yoshinobu Yamamoto has delivered in the biggest moments, put up elite numbers, and helped bring two titles to Los Angeles. Whether or not he claims the label, the resume speaks volumes.
And if 2026 goes the way the Dodgers hope - if Yamamoto keeps ascending - that "legend" talk is only going to get louder.