Dodgers' Yamamoto Aims for Cy Young After World Series MVP

Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto sets his sights on winning the Cy Young Award after leading the Dodgers to a World Series title.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the 2025 World Series MVP, is now focused on winning the Cy Young Award after helping the team repeat as champions. Manager Dave Roberts revealed that Yamamoto has set his sights on the prestigious pitching honor, in addition to maintaining his consistent dominance on the mound.

Why it matters

Yamamoto's quest for the Cy Young Award adds another layer of intrigue to the Dodgers' quest to become the first MLB team to win three straight World Series titles since the late 1990s/early 2000s Yankees. His continued excellence would be crucial to the Dodgers maintaining their status as one of baseball's elite franchises.

The details

After a dominant World Series performance that propelled the Dodgers to the title, Yamamoto is now focused on adding a Cy Young Award to his resume. Manager Dave Roberts noted that Yamamoto "wants to win a Cy Young" and that the pitcher "prides himself on being consistent and being really good." Yamamoto, who refuses to boast about his accomplishments, is approaching the offseason with "a little more purpose" as he prepares to build on his World Series MVP campaign.

  • Yamamoto was named the 2025 World Series MVP.

The players

Yoshinobu Yamamoto

A right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers who was named the 2025 World Series MVP.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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What they’re saying

“He wants to win a Cy Young. He hasn't done that yet, so that's a carrot.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager, Los Angeles Dodgers (The Athletic)

“I was able to get into the offseason with a great feeling. I was also able to spend this offseason with a little more purpose.”

— Yoshinobu Yamamoto (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Dodgers will look to Yamamoto to lead their pitching staff as they aim to become the first MLB team to win three straight World Series titles since the late 1990s/early 2000s Yankees.

The takeaway

Yoshinobu Yamamoto's quest for the Cy Young Award after winning World Series MVP underscores his drive to be one of the game's elite pitchers. His continued excellence will be crucial as the Dodgers seek to cement their status as a modern baseball dynasty.