Dodgers' Yamamoto Surpasses Trout as 2nd Most Followed Active MLB Player on Instagram

The Japanese pitcher's social media stardom continues to grow after his dominant 2025 season and World Series performance.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto has surpassed Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout to become the second most-followed active MLB player on Instagram, trailing only his teammate and fellow Japanese star Shohei Ohtani. Yamamoto's Instagram following skyrocketed after his heroic performances in the 2025 World Series, where he won back-to-back games to capture the title for the Dodgers.

Why it matters

Yamamoto's social media rise reflects his growing popularity and stardom in the MLB, particularly among Japanese and international fans. As one of the league's most dominant pitchers, Yamamoto's success on the field has translated to a massive following online, putting him in elite company among active players.

The details

Yamamoto, who also plays for the Japanese national team, the Samurai Japan, now has over 2.3 million Instagram followers, surpassing Trout's 2.2 million. The only active player with more followers is Yamamoto's Dodgers teammate Shohei Ohtani, who has an astounding 10.5 million followers. Yamamoto's surge in popularity came after his standout 2025 season, where he led the Dodgers to a World Series championship with two crucial wins. The Dodgers also have another player, Kiké Hernández, who is climbing the social media ranks and now has 1.5 million Instagram followers.

  • Yamamoto surpassed Trout for the second-most followed active MLB player on Instagram in March 2026.
  • Yamamoto's Instagram following skyrocketed after his heroic performances in the 2025 World Series.

The players

Yoshinobu Yamamoto

A Japanese pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Samurai Japan national team, Yamamoto has emerged as one of the most dominant pitchers in MLB and a rising social media star.

Shohei Ohtani

Yamamoto's Dodgers teammate and fellow Japanese star, Ohtani is the most followed active MLB player on Instagram with 10.5 million followers.

Mike Trout

The Los Angeles Angels star was previously the second most-followed active MLB player on Instagram, before being surpassed by Yamamoto.

Kiké Hernández

A utility player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Hernández is also climbing the social media ranks and now has 1.5 million Instagram followers.

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What’s next

Yamamoto will look to continue his dominant pitching and social media growth as he prepares to represent Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

The takeaway

Yamamoto's rise to become the second most-followed active MLB player on Instagram showcases his growing popularity and stardom, both in the league and among international fans. His success on the field has translated to a massive online following, putting him in elite company alongside his Dodgers teammate Shohei Ohtani.