Yoshinobu Yamamoto Reflects on October Glory, Eyes WBC Challenge Ahead
CAMELBACK RANCH, AZ - Spring training is just getting underway in Arizona, but Yoshinobu Yamamoto already looks like a man in midseason form. A few days into camp with the Dodgers, the right-hander is blending reflection with readiness - revisiting his unforgettable postseason run while gearing up for the next big challenge: the World Baseball Classic.
When asked about his October heroics, Yamamoto didn’t shy away from admitting he’s revisited the film. “Since the World Series ended, I’ve watched the video from those games a few times,” he said.
“I go back and look at it.” There’s a quiet confidence in that - the kind that comes from knowing you delivered on the biggest stage, and still want to learn from it.
And while a reporter jokingly asked if he now considers himself a “Dodger legend,” Yamamoto just smiled and shook his head. He wasn’t about to crown himself - but let’s be honest, the man’s October performance already etched his name into Dodger lore. He may not say it, but the impact he made is undeniable.
As for the offseason? It flew by.
That’s often the case after a deep postseason run, but Yamamoto made the most of it. “More than the length of time, it felt like the offseason ended in a flash,” he said.
“But I was able to take the time to practice, and at the same time focus on recovery. I also did a lot of training so I can get even stronger.”
That’s a telling quote - he didn’t just rest, he reloaded.
Interestingly, Yamamoto felt that the timing of his rest and ramp-up this winter actually worked in his favor, even with the season ending later than usual. “Compared to other years, it wasn’t like, ‘I had to rest and then start all over again,’” he explained.
“When I rested in November and then started moving again, the feeling in my body was better than other years. I was able to get off to a good start.”
That’s the kind of physical rhythm every pitcher hopes for heading into spring.
Of course, with the World Baseball Classic on the horizon, the question had to be asked: does chasing a WBC title feel different than chasing a World Series ring? Yamamoto was thoughtful in his response.
“A little bit,” he said. “They’re different.
I think they’re kind of separate things.” It’s a subtle answer, but it underscores the respect he has for both stages - and the unique pride that comes with representing your country.
As for how the WBC has impacted his spring preparation, Yamamoto kept it straightforward. “I started my live BP a little earlier than usual,” he said.
“Other than that, it’s the same as always.” That kind of consistency in routine is a hallmark of elite pitchers - knowing how to tweak just enough, without disrupting the foundation.
When the conversation circled back to the Dodgers’ October run, Yamamoto sounded less like a pitcher and more like a fan reliving a classic. “The moment we won at the end is what stands out the most,” he said.
“But when you go back and watch the video, there were so many unbelievable plays. Honestly, there were too many to even count.”
And that’s what stuck with him - not just the big moments, but the little ones that often get lost in the shuffle. “When you look back, even the plays that maybe weren’t talked about much were incredible,” he said. “It really made me think again what an amazing series it was.”
For Yamamoto, it’s clear - last October was special. But the focus now shifts forward.
With the WBC on deck and a new season looming, he’s not just resting on the past. He’s building toward something even bigger.
And if the early signs at Camelback Ranch are any indication, the Dodgers - and Team Japan - might be in for another legendary run.