Today, Los Angeles Dodgers fans, expecting dominance with their historic $325 million investment in Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, witnessed a nightmare debut instead. The highly-touted right-hander, one of the most sought-after free agents in recent memory, imploded in the first inning of his much-anticipated start against the San Diego Padres in Seoul. Yamamoto’s woes didn’t begin in his debut; his struggles have carried over from a disastrous Spring Training.

“The numbers weren’t good,” the pitcher admitted after a Cactus League outing where he was tagged for six hits and five runs in just three innings, according to The Los Angeles Times. His split-fingered fastball was a rare bright spot, but his inability to command his curveball and consistent walks raised the first red flags in the Dodgers camp. Adding to the conundrum, his Seoul Series start turned out to be nothing short of a disaster. 

Yoshinobu Yamamoto: A $325 million question mark

The Daily Mail reports that in today’s second Seoul Series game against the Padres, Yamamoto surrendered five runs in a single inning, leaving with a staggering 45.00 ERA. “I’m not really concerned about the numbers,” the pitcher insists. But observers can’t help but question his readiness and ability to justify the astronomical price tag.

Market reports reveal that a fierce bidding war went down this offseason to secure Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s signature, with major contenders like the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox, and the San Francisco Giants vying for him. The Boys in Blue ultimately sealed the deal. Right now, the team may be wondering if they might have bet on the wrong horse. Does this hint at impending trouble in the Dodgers’ billion-dollar paradise?

It’s important to note that Yamamoto’s shaky start isn’t an isolated incident. His poor Spring Training form (8.38 ERA in 9.2 innings pitched, 15 allowed hits) was a cause for concern, and many fans hoped it was simply pre-season jitters. “These games are going to happen,” shrugged Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes to The LA Times, downplaying Yamamoto’s rough outings—but the debut disaster has amplified the worry.

Read More: Inside Gocheok Sky Dome, Stage for Dodgers vs. Padres Korea Clash

The pitcher’s unorthodox training methods, while fascinating, may also be raising eyebrows. Could Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s focus on flexibility and body awareness be a detriment to the raw power and control typically expected from a pitcher of his caliber?

What does the future hold for Yamamoto and other Dodgers?

As teammate Mookie Betts has reportedly started incorporating the ace’s unorthodox methods into his own regime, along with working with Yamamoto’s personal trainer, Yata Sensei, one might wonder if this unconventional approach will end up benefiting or harming the team’s proven stars.

The big question now is whether Yamamoto’s abysmal start is a temporary setback or a grim foreshadowing for the Dodgers’ upcoming season. Fans had hoped the presence of fellow countryman Shohei Ohtani would give Yamamoto a sense of ease and comfort in his new surroundings, but early returns cast doubt on this theory.

Read More: Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts Impress in Dodgers’ Opening Day Victory, Seoul Series Starts With a Bang

The Blue Crew, as always, will likely remain confident in their decision. But with such an unprecedented investment on the line, Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s continued struggle has everybody across MLB watching his moves with bated breath.

Will he turn things around and live up to his hype—or is this massive gamble headed for a spectacularly expensive crash and burn?