Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Yoshinobu Yamamoto followed up his MLB debut with a strong 2025, flashing elite command and swing-and-miss ability even as his workload was managed. That, however, went out the window when he threw 37-1/3 postseason innings, bringing his total to 210 in 2025. His 2026 projections show maintained excellent ratios and strikeout efficiency. The year-over-year improvement in pitch efficiency suggests he can work deeper into games moving forward. The biggest knock against Yamamoto is that he pitches for the Dodgers, who have a deep enough staff to go with a six-man rotation or rest elite starters down the stretch (fantasy playoffs) if they wish. In any case, Yamamoto profiles as a high-end fantasy starter whose value is anchored in ratios.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto to start Game 2 of World Series for Dodgers

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start Game 2 of the World Series on Saturday.

Fantasy Impact

Blake Snell has been named the Game 1 starter on Friday. Yamamoto will follow him on Saturday before the series heads back to Los Angeles.