2024 Los Angeles Dodger Yoshinobu Yamamoto's Probable Pitcher: Taking the Mound Today After Missing 3 Months (Video)NEW

His fastball, though likely to lose some velocity over time, exhibits above-average vertical and horizontal movement, making it a potent weapon. His cutter, while considered his fourth pitch, shows promise with its above-average vertical movement but is projected to be below-average among MLB pitchers.

The splitter, a pitch popularized by Japanese stars, could potentially be Yamamoto's best offering, featuring elite drop and velocity compared to MLB standards. His curveball, already showing signs of elite status with exceptional vertical and horizontal movement, adds to his formidable repertoire.

While Yamamoto's debut performance was less than stellar, his diverse pitch mix and potential for improvement indicate he could emerge as a star in MLB, bolstering the Dodgers' pitching rotation.

December 23, 2023
Breaking News: Japanese Ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto Signs Record-Breaking 12-Year, $325 Million Deal with the Dodgers

In a stunning turn of events, Japanese pitching sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto has officially inked a historic 12-year, $325 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, making it the second-largest guarantee ever given to a pitcher in baseball history. The deal, confirmed by ESPN sources and multiple reports, concludes a fierce bidding war involving major market teams, including the New York Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Giants, Phillies, and Blue Jays.

The 25-year-old right-hander, who earned three consecutive MVP awards and Sawamura Awards in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), transitioned from the bullpen to the rotation in 2019 and has since dominated with a remarkable 1.65 ERA over 820 1/3 innings. Despite his smaller stature at 5-foot-10 and 176 pounds, Yamamoto's arsenal includes a blazing 99 mph fastball, a devastating split-fingered fastball, and a looping curveball, all of which impressed MLB executives.

Yamamoto's unique training regimen, focusing on flexibility and movement rather than raw strength, contributed to his ability to generate exceptional force on the ball. Teams, including the Dodgers, were drawn to his extraordinary athleticism, which played a crucial role in his decision to join the reigning World Series champions.

The Dodgers, already securing Shohei Ohtani earlier this month, continue to fortify their roster with Yamamoto, signaling a shift in the free-agent market for starting pitchers. With the deal awaiting Yamamoto's physical examination, the total value, including a reported $50.6 million posting fee to the Orix Buffaloes, could exceed $375 million. As Yamamoto's destination is finalized, the remaining free-agent pitchers, including Blake Snell and Shota Imanaga, are expected to garner heightened attention in the rapidly evolving market.

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