Yoshinobu Yamamoto's meteoric rise in the MLB has been nothing short of remarkable. After going unranked in previous ace rankings, he's now sitting comfortably at fourth, according to Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly. This leap is a testament to his stellar performance last season, where he truly came into his own.
In 2025, Yamamoto shook off the rookie jitters and delivered a standout season with 30 starts, boasting a 2.49 ERA and achieving his first 200-strikeout milestone. His dominance didn't stop there; he carried it into the postseason.
Over six appearances, including two complete games, he allowed just six earned runs, with only three coming during the World Series. His performance in the Fall Classic, where he pitched 17.2 innings and gave up just two earned runs, earned him the coveted World Series MVP title.
Kelly notes that if the rankings had been made at the end of the 2025 regular season, Yamamoto might have ranked lower, with pitchers like Webb and Sánchez having stronger regular seasons. However, Yamamoto's postseason heroics have drawn comparisons to legends like Randy Johnson and Madison Bumgarner, showcasing his ability to deliver when it matters most.
The only pitchers ahead of Yamamoto in the rankings are Cy Young winners Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, Paul Skenes, and Boston Red Sox's Garrett Crochet.
As for 2026, Yamamoto has been busy. Though he's only made two appearances in spring training for the Dodgers, allowing three earned runs over 4.2 innings with seven strikeouts, his focus has been on the international stage.
Playing for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic, he pitched 2.2 scoreless innings with two strikeouts in his lone appearance so far. Fans are eagerly anticipating his upcoming quarterfinal matchup against either the Dominican Republic or Venezuela.
Yamamoto's trajectory suggests he's not just a rising star but a force to be reckoned with in the MLB. His blend of skill, poise, and competitive spirit is setting him up as a potential contender for the NL Cy Young Award this season. Keep an eye on this ace-he's just getting started.