It’s not so often that one sees the repertoire of “nasty” in a good light. Picture this: A pitcher with pinpoint accuracy who throws 96 mph, baffling hitters with a “mix of fastballs and impressive breaking balls”. Now, be aware, that pitcher just signed a $325 million contract, but won’t be wearing your team’s colors. If that’s not a chilling reality for Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s former suitors, then what is? That’s the chilling reality for New York baseball fans after witnessing the dominant debut of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Dodgers’ newest weapon.

This debutant is already proving to be the Los Angeles Dodgers’  dominant weapon. Witnessing spring training it appears that days when hitters would demolish anything that’s offered are numbered at least for the National League East hitters. Thanks to the arrival of this Japanese pitching force in LA. Granted, the Dodgers’ $325 million man unleashed his absolute best in his first live batting practice, but a standing ovation? Well, with that, New York might be rethinking their summer vacation plans. 

The World Witnesses Yoshinobu Yamamoto Baffling The Hitters With His Scary Pitches

The 25-year-old took the mound for his live batting practice and, let’s just say, his pitches dropped jaws. Teammates were in awe, including Freddie Freeman, a seasoned All-Star himself. So much so that he declared Yoshi’s pitches “incredible” and “nasty“. While Mookie Betts offered what’s a rare feat for a newcomer – a standing ovation. It’s possible that NY is already intimidated by the righty’s speed and by the thought of what could have been. 

Although the radar gun clocked him at 96 mph, the sluggers weren’t all intimidated by that heat. However, it was the pinpoint control and deceiving movements that had everyone lose their orientation. What’s impressive was that Freeman, known for facing the best arms in the game, admitted, “He doesn’t even have to throw that hard with the command he has.” Precision is what Yamamoto leverages to leave hitters flailing.

Despite being an absolute slayer on the mound, Yoshi is aware of his areas of improvement. Let’s not forget this is just the beginning. “I think this is not the best yet,” said Yamamoto via an interpreter. Isn’t it scary to imagine what his best would be, if this was not it? It’s inevitable that the East Coast’s ears perked up when they heard this. 

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The Scary Reality Glaring At the New York Mets and Yankees

Both the New York Yankees and the Mets were suitors in the Yamamoto chase earlier this off season. However, that boat sailed long back. But with things getting more and more real by the day, maybe they contemplate on what could have been. Hitters better be aware of what’s to come. 

Read More: Yoshinobu Yamamoto Faces All-Star Expectations, Kodai Senga’s Rookie Exploits Set High Benchmark

Calling this acquisition by the Blue Crew was just a power move would be an understatement. It was a strategic blow to their East Coast rivals. The Mets and the Yankees, both were hungry for Yamamoto’s services, but now stand opposite to him, in competition. Clearly, he would be terrorizing their hitters for years to come. As the Dodgers fans rejoice, chills run down the spines of New York’s fans.