Shortly after the Los Angeles Dodgers dropped a bombshell by signing Japanese pitcher YoshinobuYamamoto to a 12-year, $325 million contract — the largest contract ever for a player from NPB to MLB — former Dodgers outfielder Josh Reddick sparked a furor. He tweeted:
“How do you give a guy $325 million without ever throwing a pitch in MLB.”
But now, after Yamamoto’s devastating performance — a World Series MVP, a perfect season, and a string of incredible victories for the Dodgers — Reddick has been forced to “turn the tables.” On the “Foul Territory” podcast, he admitted:
“He’s obviously a very, very talented pitcher … I was wrong, Dodgers fans … Good for him.”
From harsh skepticism to a bow of recognition — it’s not just a surprising reversal, but also a reflection of how time and performance can quell all doubts. With his stellar season and postseason performances, Yamamoto has proven that sometimes, taking big risks — when done right — can pay off in spades.
Reddick — who once confidently “bet against” the Dodgers — now has to “tip cap” the Japanese pitcher. The recognition is not only a sign of respect, but also a stark reminder: in MLB, any judgment can be overturned if you don’t see the whole picture.
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