Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Former Teammate on New Dodgers Pitcher, ‘He’s Prepared His Whole Life For This Moment’
The Los Angeles Dodgers have dominated the 2024 offseason. Although Shohei Ohtani was the most coveted prize, L.A. also grabbed the second-best free agent of this class in Japanese sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
New Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, though only 25 years old, has already accomplished much in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball: three consecutive Sawamura awards (given to the league’s top pitcher), three consecutive Pacific League MVPs, two no-hitters, a WBC championship in 2023 and a 2021 Olympic gold medal.
Now, Yamamoto will look to do more of the same in the majors as a member of the Dodgers.
While Yamamoto’s talents are clear, his former teammate in Japan, MLB All-Star Adam Jones, said he’s also a great person. Jones spoke with the MLB Network crew and provided insight into who Yamamoto is as a person:
“He’s just awesome. He smiles, he’s personable. Obviously seems a little bit more open than Shohei. Obviously, Shohei and the agent kept him real quiet, and just focused on baseball. I think Shohei and L.A. will open both those guys up.”
– Adam Jones, via MLB Network
Jones was teammates with Yamamoto for two seasons in 2020 and 2021. He knows exactly what he’s like and got a glimpse of his capabilities before most of the baseball world in North America. He spoke about Yamamoto’s incredible preparation, and how ready he is for the MLB:
“Yamamoto is just a beauty. It was great to see his preparation. He’s prepared his whole life for this moment. And as a baseball fan, I’m just excited to see him take on this challenge.”
– Adam Jones, via MLB Network
Not only is Yamamoto a great person and pitcher, he’s disciplined and dedicated to the game. He prepares better than anyone Jones has seen, which is a great attribute for a player hoping to have sustained success in MLB.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Have you subscribed to our YouTube Channel? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, livestreams, and more!
When ANY team can dominate the off season like the Dodgers why even tune in to the new season. I concede before it starts. It is a shame. It would be more fun if the teams were more evenly matched. If the Dodgers ended up not winning it would be a miracle. I will boycott the season. MLB should restrict a team from obtaining the two best players available without giving other teams an opportunity.
Other teams were given the opportunity, it’s fairly obvious both players wanted to play for the Dodgers. Rich in tradition and history and what they are doing in the present, you can hate on us all you want. Hate the game don’t hate the player.
The Dodgers have the 7th largest team salary in 2024. Six teams will spend more this year……