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The Los Angeles Dodgers made the smart decision to up the ante to sign Yoshinobu Yamamoto ahead of the 2024 season and give the rotation the extra oomph it might have needed in the postseason.
The extra green paid off for the second consecutive season.
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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) celebrates with teammate Will Smith after the team defeated the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 of the World Series of Baseball, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Toronto. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)
Yamamoto won three World Series games, including Game 7, to help the Dodgers win back-to-back championships. Against the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7, Yamamoto found himself in a tough spot in the bottom of the ninth, but he held on.
He lasted 2.2 innings, allowed just one hit, walked one and got the game-ending double play as the Dodgers won the game 5-4 in 11 innings.
Yamamoto was named World Series MVP for his efforts.
DODGERS GET BACK-TO-BACK WORLD SERIES TITLES AFTER EPIC GAME 7 VICTORY OVER BLUE JAYS
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) and pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) celebrate after the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 of the World Series of Baseball in Toronto, Saturday, November 1, 2025. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
“I wasn’t sure if I could throw tonight when I went to the bullpen, but I’m glad I was able to do it,” he told FOX’s Kevin Burkhardt after the game.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was jubilant.
“Yamamoto is the GOAT,” he shouted.
The Dodgers visited Yamamoto after going six innings in the Dodgers’ Game 6 win over the Blue Jays on Friday night. He struck out six batters and allowed one run. He threw 96 pitches in this game.
Yamamoto also pitched in the Dodgers’ Game 2 win over the Blue Jays. He pitched a complete game, allowing one run on four hits and striking out eight.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto gestures during the fourth inning of Game 6 of the World Series of Baseball against the Toronto Blue Jays, Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, in Toronto. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
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The Dodgers are the first consecutive MLB champions since the New York Yankees in 1999 and 2000.
