MLB: Shohei Ohtani Is a Big Deal, a $700M one at that

Photo Credit: BLEACHER REPORT

LOS ANGELES— His nickname isn’t “Shotime” for no reason, baseball star Shohei Ohtani signed a 10-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and it’s historic for many reasons. The 10-year contract reportedly does not include any opt-out clauses and, at $700 million, is the richest deal in professional sports history, besting the $674 million Lionel Messi received from FC Barcelona.

While many MLB fans are stunned by this cashout and wonder what is in store for the Dodgers, Ohtani is laughing all the way to the bank as he breaks the internet. Ohtani, having just won an MVP award, has raised eyebrows as players in that position usually don’t head to new teams. But with $700 million on the line, the narrative can change in a snap of a finger. This statistic also makes Ohtani the fifth player to be granted free agency in the offseason after winning MVP.

This deal is even more unique because before Ohtani signed, the largest deal for MLB free agents was Aaron Judge’s nine-year, $360 million contract before the 2023 season. Ohtani’s contract sets that record by $340 million, nearly doubling it. Ohtani has earned his coins as he has 171 career home runs, all with the Angels, and 437 RBIs over 701 appearances. No player has hit at least 20 home runs for the Angels or Dodgers. Ohtani led MLB with an 184 OPS+ in 2023. That’s the highest by a qualified hitter who changed teams in the following offseason.

Ohtani has an impressive resume, as he is the reigning two-time MVP, and his numbers reflect that beautifully. The 2024 Dodgers will be the fifth team to begin a season with three players who each finished top-three in MVP voting in the previous season in either league, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Ohtani is casually breaking records, and the young star is just getting started with all eyes on him.