Los Angeles, CA – After signing a historic 12-year, $325 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Yoshinobu Yamamoto is set to return to Japan—not as a homegrown ace, but as the newest star of one of MLB’s most storied franchises.
As part of the 2025 MLB International Series, the Dodgers will travel to Japan for a set of exhibition games, making this a meaningful homecoming for Yamamoto.
“This is a dream come true,” Yamamoto said. “It’s an incredible experience to return home as a Dodger. I remember watching MLB players visit Japan for special exhibition series, and now I get to be a part of it.”
A Star’s Journey: From Japan to the Majors
Before joining the major leagues, the 25-year-old right-hander dominated Japan’s NPB, winning three consecutive Sawamura Awards (Japan’s equivalent of the Cy Young Award) and leading the Orix Buffaloes to a Japan Series title.
His success made him the most sought-after international free agent, with multiple MLB teams competing for his signature. In the end, the Dodgers secured him with one of the biggest pitching contracts in MLB history.
Yamamoto, just a few months into his first spring training, will soon find himself pitching in front of Japanese fans again—but this time, as a Dodger, not a Buffalo.
A Celebration of Baseball’s Global Reach
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized the significance of this trip—not only for Yamamoto but for baseball as a global sport.
“This trip is not just about baseball—it’s about sharing cultures and growing the game,” Roberts said. “For Yamamoto, it’s a chance to reconnect with his home fans and share his journey. For the Dodgers, it’s an opportunity to expand the reach of our franchise and showcase what we’re building.”
A Special Homecoming
The Dodgers’ trip to Japan is expected to draw massive fan interest, especially with Yamamoto’s highly anticipated homecoming.
Japanese fans are eager to see their homegrown star compete on an international stage, making this series a truly special event.
For Yamamoto, this trip is more than just baseball—it’s about coming full circle. From his days as a rising star in Japan’s NPB to becoming a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ future, this moment represents his journey, growth, and the connection between two baseball worlds.
