In a groundbreaking move, Japanese baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani has inked a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, potentially making it the largest deal in sports history. Ohtani’s unprecedented two-way performance, excelling both as a hitter and a pitcher, has earned him the title of the highest-paid player in baseball.
Ohtani’s contract, announced by his agent Nez Balelo, surpasses the previous record set by Angels outfielder Mike Trout’s $426.5 million, 12-year deal in 2019. With an average annual salary of $70 million, Ohtani now holds the top spot, outpacing pitchers Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander.
The 29-year-old’s decision to join the Dodgers comes after months of speculation and intense scrutiny, with fans and media closely monitoring private plane movements and alleged sightings. Ohtani expressed his gratitude to the Angels organization and fans but conveyed his excitement to embark on a new journey with the Dodgers.
Balelo described the contract as “unique” and “historic,” reflecting both Ohtani’s exceptional talent and the team’s commitment to long-term success. The deal includes unprecedented deferred money, strategically structured to alleviate the impact on the Dodgers’ luxury tax payroll.
Ohtani’s stellar 2023 season, where he secured his second unanimous AL MVP trophy, undoubtedly influenced the record-breaking contract. His remarkable stats include a .304 batting average, 44 home runs, and 95 RBIs, coupled with a pitching performance boasting a 3.14 ERA and 167 strikeouts.
Despite being courted by multiple suitors, including the Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, and Chicago Cubs, Ohtani chose to join the Dodgers—a team that has made 11 straight postseason appearances. This move marks a significant shift for the Dodgers, adding Ohtani’s extraordinary talents to an already star-studded lineup.
While Ohtani’s presence in the Dodgers’ rotation may have to wait until 2025 due to a recent elbow surgery, the anticipation for the upcoming season is palpable. The Dodgers, who fell short in the 2023 playoffs, are poised to elevate their championship aspirations with the addition of Ohtani.
The 2024 season will kick off with the Dodgers opening in Seoul, South Korea, against the San Diego Padres, followed by their home opener at Dodger Stadium against the St. Louis Cardinals on March 28. The stage is set for a thrilling chapter in Ohtani’s career and the Dodgers’ pursuit of baseball glory.
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