Yoshinobu Yamamoto Says Shohei Ohtani Joining Dodgers Didn't Directly Impact His Decision

Yamamoto wanted to become a member of the Dodgers.

The Dodgers officially introduced Japanese pitching sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto as a member of the team. In front of a ton of media members, Yamamoto received his No. 18 jersey. This highly anticipated moment had been in the works for a while now, and finally, the world got to see him don the Dodgers jersey.

YOSHINOBU YAMAMOTO PUTS ON HIS DODGERS NUMBER 18 JERSEY FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!! pic.twitter.com/QOUCV7IGVi

— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) December 27, 2023

After it was announced that Yamamoto signed with the Dodgers, many speculated the signing of two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani played a role. During his introductory press conference, Yamamoto said that Ohtani choosing the Dodgers didn't directly impact his decision to come to L.A.

"Even if (Shohei Ohtani) went somewhere else, I probably still would have ended up in L.A. with the Dodgers." 

"Even if (Shohei Ohtani) went somewhere else, I probably still would have ended up in L.A. with the Dodgers."

Yoshinobu Yamamoto said Ohtani joining the Dodgers didn't exactly sway his decision, but it definitely helped and he loved the idea of playing with Ohtani.

— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) December 27, 2023

It seems Yamamoto wanted to be a member of the Dodgers all along, and that he would have found his way to Los Angeles. The fit was seamless for both sides, and the Dodgers now have their front-line ace for years to come.

Playing alongside Ohtani still helped him come to his conclusion, but it wasn't the sole reason. Yamamoto wants to win, and he now joins a team ready to contend year in and year out.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto says he likely still would’ve signed with the Dodgers even if Shohei Ohtani went somewhere else! pic.twitter.com/ZcUvLSQgEg

— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) December 27, 2023

The Dodgers couldn't be happier that he decided to pick them in free agency, and the dream offseason is moving along nicely.

L.A. is set up to win very well for the foreseeable future, and Yamamoto is going to play a major role in that. The front office believes in him greatly, and fans can't wait until he takes the mound at Dodger Stadium this Spring.