Meet The Dodgers Star Pitcher: Yoshinobu Yamamoto Wife, Net Worth, Contract and Stats

Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a masterpiece in Game 2 of the NLCS, shutting down the Brewers over nine innings in a complete-game shutout — a rarity in the postseason and a moment which is proof of his arrival on the big stage. His dominant performance helped the Los Angeles Dodgers take a 2–0 lead in the National League Championship Series and underscored why Yamamoto is already a beloved figure at Dodger Stadium.

Below is a deep dive into Yamamoto’s career — his NPB and MLB stats by year, his blockbuster MLB contract, estimated net worth, and what is publicly known about his personal life (including his relationship with Japanese model Niki Niwa).

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Yoshinobu Yamamoto Early Life & NPB Foundation

Yoshinobu Yamamoto was born in Okayama, Japan (sometimes listed simply as “Japan” in biographies). He rose through the Japanese amateur ranks before being drafted by the Orix Buffaloes in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). His development in Japan laid the foundation for his dominance in NPB and eventual move to MLB.

In Japan, Yamamoto quickly found success. Below is an expanded look at his seasonal performance (NPB) and key achievements that elevated him into a top international pitching prospect.

Yamamoto NPB Stats

* WHIP approximated from public sources; official NPB WHIP data may vary slightly.

Over his NPB career (2017-2023), Yamamoto compiled a record of roughly 70–29, an ERA hovering in the low 1.80s, and strikeout totals exceeding innings pitched. He also consistently posted WHIPs below or around 1.00, illustrating his ability to limit baserunners even in Japan’s hitter-friendly contexts.

His dominance in NPB was not only statistical but also symbolic. He won three Pacific League MVP Awards (2021, 2022, 2023) as well as three Eiji Sawamura Awards (Japan’s top pitcher award) in consecutive years. He threw multiple no-hitters, including one in 2022 and 2023, and routinely put up elite peripherals that drew comparisons to the best pitchers in the U.S.

That decorated Japanese resume made him an attractive free agent candidate when he reached posting eligibility.

Transition to MLB & Regular Season Stats

When the time came for Yamamoto to cross the Pacific, he did so with fanfare, expectations, and a record-setting contract (discussed in the next section). Let’s look at his MLB stats by year (so far through 2025) and performance trends.

From Baseball-Reference:

Some advanced notes and observations (per Baseball-Reference & related sources) include:

• In 2024, his major league debut was somewhat rocky: in spring training and early outings, he struggled with command. In one start (in Seoul), he allowed 5 runs in 1 inning (four hits) — a tough first impression.
• Despite those early hiccups, he managed to rally, become a dependable option, and contribute during the postseason run.
• In 2025, Yamamoto’s performance stabilized into ace territory: over 173+ innings, he maintained a sub-1.00 WHIP and struck out over 200 batters. His strikeout and walk rates improved, and his ability to maintain scoreless innings stretches became a key weapon for the Dodgers.
• His two-year cumulative MLB numbers show a .199 batting average against, strong strikeout-to-walk ratios, and control over contact allowed.

His steady improvements in command and stamina suggest that his adjustment from NPB to Major League Baseball (MLB) is progressing remarkably well.

The Dodgers Contract: Structure, Clauses & Risk Management

Yamamoto’s move to MLB came via a signature contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, one that broke records and invited scrutiny. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of that deal:

Contract Basics & Financial Terms

The Dodgers signed Yamamoto to a 12-year, $325 million contract on December 27, 2023. They also paid a $50.625 million posting fee to the Orix Buffaloes, per the MLB–NPB posting system.

This contract is the largest guarantee ever for a pitcher at the time of signing, outpacing Gerrit Cole’s prior $324M deal.

The average annual value (AAV) is about $27,083,333 (though some sources cite ~$28.2M depending on bonus amortization).

A $50 million signing bonus was to be paid in 2024 (in installments) and is not deferred.

Salary & Backloading

Yamamoto’s base salaries escalate significantly over time, reflecting a backloaded design:

• 2024: $5 million
• 2025: $10 million
• 2026: $12 million
• 2027–2029: $26 million annually
• 2030–2031: $29 million annually
• 2032–2035: $28 million annually

This structure gives Yamamoto modest early-year compensation (relative to the total guarantee) while the bulk of the money is loaded toward his prime and later years. For competitive balance tax and roster planning, it helps the Dodgers manage their luxury tax burden early.

Opt-Outs, Health Clauses, and Flexibility

Yamamoto’s contract includes two opt-out opportunities, but they are tied to his elbow health (i.e., risk of injury) rather than being automatic:

• If no Tommy John surgery or extended right elbow injury occurs from 2024–2029 (specifically, no more than 133 consecutive days on the IL from elbow concerns), he can opt out after 2029 and again after 2031.
• If he does undergo TJ surgery or misses 134+ days due to an elbow issue during that window, the opt-outs shift to after 2031 and 2033.
• In some scenarios, there is a club option for 2036 (worth $10 million) with no buyout, if certain health triggers occur.
• There is no full no-trade clause, but if Yamamoto is traded, he gets an extra opt-out in that year.
• The contract also includes perks and protections: Yamamoto cannot be optioned to the minors without his consent (a common clause for foreign signees), and he enjoys benefits such as interpreter support, luxury travel, and first-class family flights.

Risk-Reward & Comparisons

• If Yamamoto opts out after 2029, he would give up the final six years and roughly $170 million in remaining contract value. The first six years (2024–2029) would have delivered roughly $155 million including bonus.
• In comparison, Gerrit Cole’s $324 million deal with the New York Yankees had no such health contingencies (though Cole’s deal was only 9 years long). Yamamoto’s contract surpasses that in total guarantee, though not necessarily in AAV.
• For the Dodgers, combining Yamamoto’s contract with prior commitments (notably Shohei Ohtani) signals a heavy investment in Japanese pitching stars and long-term rotation stability.

Taken as a whole, Yamamoto’s contract is bold but carefully structured to balance upside with injury protection. The conditional opt-outs and backloading shift risk in favor of LA in later years if injuries derail performance.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto Net Worth, Earnings & Endorsements

Estimating a net worth for an athlete still early in a long-term contract involves speculation — many projections rely on confirmed salaries, bonuses, and known endorsements.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto net worth is expected to be $40 million (as of 2025). However, according to Sportskeeda, Yamamoto’s cumulative earnings through March 2025 stand near $65 million (contract pay + signing bonus).

In 2025 specifically, he has a base salary of $10 million (total salary $18,333,333).

Endorsement deals (especially in Japan and potentially in the U.S.) are likely growing, though public data is limited. Some reports suggest that his off-field earnings are nontrivial given his emerging star status.

Given that much of his contract is still unpaid through 2035, most net worth projections reflect just the first few years of earnings plus bonus. As Yamamoto continues to collect salary and secure endorsements, his net worth could escalate significantly — potentially crossing into the hundreds of millions over his career.

Yoshinobu Yamoto Wife: Personal Life & Relationship with Niki Niwa

Who is Yoshinobu Yamamoto wife? Though Yoshinobu Yamamoto is sometimes referred to colloquially as having a “wife” in media circles, publicly he is not known to be married. The better-supported description is that he is in a romantic relationship with Japanese model Niki Niwa.

Who is Niki Niwa?

Niki Niwa is a successful Japanese personality — a model and actress who gained early recognition on the reality show Terrace House: Aloha State. She also appeared in the Japanese drama Peanut Butter Sandwich. Her work in fashion and entertainment has made her a name in Japan, and she often attends high-profile events for luxury brands.

Dodgers star Yoshinobu Yamamoto sparks Niki Niwa dating rumors after Beverly Hills outing with Japanese model https://t.co/evgPUOAlfP pic.twitter.com/BTyozTzAKO

— New York Post (@nypost) November 8, 2024

The Yamamoto–Niwa Relationship

The media buzz around Yamamoto’s personal life increased after the two were spotted together in Beverly Hills in December 2024, shortly after Yamamoto’s arrival in Los Angeles. Photographs of them shopping made headlines, fueling speculation they were more than friends. Neither has publicly confirmed marriage, so references to “Yamamoto wife” should be understood loosely or as media shorthand.

In 2025, Niwa was reportedly traveling abroad (e.g. in Hong Kong) during playoff time, based on her social media updates, suggesting the couple maintains some degree of separation in schedules. Fans and media often call her “model Niki” or “Niki Niwa” in coverage about Yamamoto’s off-field life.

While their relationship is well-publicized, they keep much private — no engagement announcements, no public wedding plans. Still, the cross-Pacific romance between a Dodgers pitcher and a Japanese model has captured attention among fans in both the U.S. and Japan.

Legacy, Comparisons & Future Outlook

Yamamoto’s move from Japan to the U.S. is reminiscent of other Japanese stars like Ohtani, but Yamamoto’s contract size, length, and responsibility (as a frontline National League pitcher) sets him apart. In postseason showdowns, such as his complete-game gem, he has already begun carving out a legacy in World Series-level competition.

Despite being only in his second MLB season, Yamamoto’s success bridges two baseball cultures — his dominance in Japan, his fearless performance in the major leagues, and his pairing with model Niki Niwa create a compelling narrative many will follow for years.

If he stays healthy and continues to evolve, Yamamoto could become one of the greatest international imports in MLB history — and perhaps someday, his relationship with Niwa may evolve (marriage, children), making the media label of “wife” more literal than metaphorical.