The Los Angeles Dodgers formally introduced Yoshinobu Yamamoto during a press conference at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, just shy of doing the same with Shohei Ohtani two weeks ago.
Between the two heralded signings, the Dodgers have committed more than $1 billion in salary. Ohtani’s presence played a part in the Dodgers landing Yamamoto, but the right-hander long held an affinity for the organization.
Now getting an opportunity to wear No. 18 with the Dodgers, Yamamoto is looking forward to playing with Ohtani and the rest of his new teammates as part of a new journey.
“Good afternoon,” Yamamoto began in English. “My name is Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the L.A. Dodgers. I am beyond ecstatic to become a member of this historic franchise and cannot express how much it means to me to be able to call Los Angeles my new home.”
Yamamoto also expressed his gratitude for the Dodgers and agent Joel Wolfe, and interested teams that fell short in the free agency sweepstakes.
“I am truly grateful for each and every one of the Dodgers staff members for repeatedly going over to Japan to see me play and not only giving me this opportunity, but thinking so highly of me as well,” Yamamoto said through interpreter Mako Allbee.
“Throughout this posting process, many teams took great interest and each recruited me with great enthusiasm. It was a month that made me feel greatly overjoyed. Every team I met with had many great qualities. After much consideration, I unfortunately had to decline their offers but I truly appreciated all their time and resources everyone spent throughout this process.”
“I would like to thank my agent, Joel Wolfe, and the entire Wasserman team for going above and beyond, and making all of my wishes come true. In addition, I’d like to share my appreciation for everyone that had an impact on my baseball career up to this point, and my family for being by my side every step of the way. Truly, thank you.”
Yoshinobu Yamamoto driven to win World Series
Yamamoto’s remarks also included vowing to commit himself to the Dodgers’ pursuit of winning a World Series. The 25-year-old additionally noted playing for a perennial postseason contender was key to his free agency decision.
“From today moving forward, I promise to all the fans of L.A. that I will focus my everything to become a better player and to become a world champion as a member of the Dodgers,” Yamamoto said through an interpreter.
“I will stop simply admiring the players I’ve looked up but rather strive to become the player that others want to become.”
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