Shohei Ohtani, renowned for his extraordinary combination of exceptional hitting and top-tier pitching, has committed to a groundbreaking 10-year contract worth $700 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The much-anticipated decision was revealed by Ohtani on Instagram last Saturday, concluding days of speculation about his career’s next chapter after six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels.
Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo of CAA Sports, described the contract as a “unique, historic” agreement for a player of Ohtani’s caliber. The statement emphasized Ohtani’s enthusiasm for the partnership and his commitment to long-term success, as reflected in the structured contract.
In his announcement, Ohtani apologized for the delay in reaching a decision and pledged to always prioritize the team’s best interests, promising to give his all to be the best version of himself until the end of his playing career.
The record-breaking deal surpasses the previous highest baseball contract, a $426.5 million, 12-year agreement for Angels outfielder Mike Trout in 2019, by a remarkable 64%. Ohtani’s average annual salary of $70 million is a substantial 62% increase over the previous high shared by pitchers Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander.
Ohtani’s decision to join the Dodgers comes six years and one day after he initially agreed to his deal with the Angels. Since joining the major leagues with the Angels, Ohtani has redefined modern baseball with his outstanding achievements both at the plate and on the mound, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s elite players.
Despite facing injuries and undergoing right elbow surgery on September 19, Ohtani’s impact extends beyond the field. On November 16, he made history by becoming the first two-time unanimous Most Valuable Player in the American League. His marketability as an athlete is evident in his ability to boost ticket sales, TV ratings, and sponsorship revenues wherever he plays.
