Dodgers News: Yoshinobu Yamamoto Sought Advice of Yu Darvish Before Making Decision
On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Dodgers officially introduced the newest member of the team, 25-year-old pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Rarely does a potential rotation ace become available during free agency, but especially one as young as Yamamoto.
The Dodgers have a long, storied history with Japanese-born pitchers, and it appears Yamamoto turned to one prior to his posting.
The right-hander told Kirsten Watson of SportsNet LA that he spoke with Yu Darvish for some advice on where he should sign. Darvish told the young pitcher to “make sure you pick somewhere that you truly feels wants you.”
The Dodgers traded for Yu Darvish at the deadline in 2017, and he helped the team reach its first World Series since 1988. While the organization did not re-sign Darvish, he has maintained familiarity with the team. He’s played the last four seasons just down south with the San Diego Padres.
It seems Yamamoto heeded Darvish’s advice. He went on to say the Dodgers were “the right place to be.”
During his introductory press conference, Yamamoto emphasized the importance of winning now and in the future. The Dodgers certainly are the place to be when considering the franchise’s short- and long-term success.
In Los Angeles, Yamamoto joins an elite starting rotation with Tyler Glasnow, Bobby Miller, and Walker Buehler. In 2025, the Dodgers expect two-way star Shohei Ohtani to be cleared to pitch.
Ohtani was among the contingent of star players who met with Yamamoto at Dodger Stadium during his recruiting tour. Apparently the visit helped Yamamoto feel wanted.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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Dodgers are above the law of the 40 man roster. How many players can they carry before MLB complains?
Dodgers are not above the 40 man roster they dfa a player earlier today before the signing was made official
Easy fix Justin!! “Cry me a river “ ?
I would love to see the clase, Bieber trade com to fruition, if that doesn’t work out signing Josh Hader to a 2 year contract hoping that he will pass up bigger offers to be part of this SUPER TEAM!
I guess Roger isn’t a dodger fan
The Dodgers were going to get a couple big names this year guys. They laid the groundwork YEARS ago for Ohtani and Yamamoto. Nomo, Kuroki, Maeda? Yu Darvish? Park and Kuo from Korea? And they pursued others. This year ended with 100 wins in a rebuild. A payroll 110 mil BELOW the luxury tax level? Friedman plays a chess game. Look, Roger, Friedman DFA’s players at the LAST possible moment. He played the IL a couple years back bouncing players up and down like a yo-yo to save our pitchers. I think we should give him credit.
Friedman is my Dodger MVP!!! Grateful we no longer are under the McCourt Ownership, and our team is relevant, and competitive on an annual basis.
Yup, he’s one smart cookie!
I just lokogwanna win by any means