The Los Angeles Dodgers have selected World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto to take the mound for their season opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 26, marking his second consecutive year earning the prestigious Opening Day assignment.
The 27-year-old right-hander delivered an outstanding performance during the 2025 postseason, playing a crucial role in the Dodgers’ championship run.
“It is a pretty easy decision, considering that it’s an honor to be the Opening Day starter,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters Monday. “He started for us last year on the road. But for him to get that start on Opening Day at home, I think it’s going to be special.”
Los Angeles aims to achieve something no team has accomplished since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees: capturing three consecutive World Series titles.
During the 2025 World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, Yamamoto claimed three victories in what became a dramatic seven-game championship series.
His postseason heroics included delivering a complete-game four-hitter in Game 2, followed by six solid innings in Game 6 to force a deciding seventh game. Working on zero days’ rest, he then came out of the bullpen in Game 7 and threw 2⅔ scoreless innings to secure the victory in an 11-inning thriller.
Yamamoto’s postseason numbers were exceptional, posting a 5-1 record with a 1.45 ERA across six appearances, including five starts.
His regular season performance was equally impressive, finishing 12-8 with a 2.49 ERA over 30 starts, earning him third place in National League Cy Young Award voting and a selection to the NL All-Star team.
Currently in his third year of a massive 12-year, $325 million deal, Yamamoto has compiled a 19-10 record with a 2.66 ERA in 48 starts during his two seasons in Los Angeles. His postseason statistics are even more remarkable, showing a 7-1 record with a 2.25 ERA in 10 playoff appearances.
