Dodgers' Yamamoto Shuns 'Legend' Label After World Series MVP

Ace pitcher focuses on helping Japan defend World Baseball Classic title

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Despite being named the 2025 World Series MVP after helping the Los Angeles Dodgers clinch the championship, 27-year-old pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto remains humble and does not consider himself a 'legend' for the team. Yamamoto is now preparing to represent Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, where he and Dodgers teammate Shohei Ohtani will aim to defend their 2023 title.

Why it matters

Yamamoto's World Series heroics cemented his status as one of the MLB's elite pitchers, but his refusal to embrace the 'legend' label shows his team-first mentality as he shifts focus to the international stage. His humility and commitment to representing Japan could inspire other star players to prioritize national team duties alongside their professional careers.

The details

In the decisive Game 7 of the 2025 World Series, Yamamoto stepped in out of the bullpen to help the Dodgers clinch the title, despite having already pitched earlier in the series. His clutch performance earned him World Series MVP honors. However, Yamamoto downplays the achievement, saying he was simply 'doing his job.' Now, he is preparing to lead Japan's pitching staff in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, where he and Dodgers teammate Shohei Ohtani will aim to defend their 2023 championship.

  • Yamamoto was named the 2025 World Series MVP.
  • The last World Baseball Classic was held in 2023.
  • The 2026 World Baseball Classic is scheduled for early March.

The players

Yoshinobu Yamamoto

A 27-year-old pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers who was named the 2025 World Series MVP.

Shohei Ohtani

Yamamoto's Los Angeles Dodgers teammate who will also represent Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“Yoshinobu Yamamoto doesn't consider himself a Dodger legend after being the World Series MVP, believing he was simply doing his job.”

— Bob Nightengale, USA Today reporter (USA Today)

What’s next

Yamamoto and Ohtani will lead Japan's pitching staff as they aim to defend their 2023 World Baseball Classic title in early March 2026.

The takeaway

Yamamoto's humility and team-first mentality, even after achieving World Series MVP honors, exemplify the values of international baseball competitions like the World Baseball Classic. His focus on representing Japan could inspire other star MLB players to prioritize their national team duties alongside their professional careers.