Shohei Ohtani to sign a record setting contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to a massive record deal with two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The deal is for 10 years at a record $700 million. This is now the richest contract in American sports history.
Ohtani posted to Instagram on Saturday saying he would play for his former team's crosstown rival starting next season after spending six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels.
"I pledge to always do what's best for the team and always continue to give it my all to be the best version of myself. Until the last day of my playing career, I want to continue to strive forward not only for the Dodgers but for the baseball world," Ohtani wrote.
Ohtani will not be pitching in 2024, but will slot in at designated hitter after undergoing elbow surgery at the end of last season. He will be part of a lineup that will already includes Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Max Muncy.
The 29-year-old slashed .274/.366/.566/.922 over 701 games with the Angels. That is good for a 34.7 career WAR. The Japanese native, won the 2018 rookie of the year, two MVPs (2021 and 2023), has had three straight All-Star appearances, and two silver slugger awards (2021 and 2023).
Once Ohtani is healthy enough to pitch, he should be part of the rotation for the Dodgers. He will join a rotation that includes Walker Buehler, Bobby Miller and other young arms like Emmet Sheehan and Ryan Pepiot.
On the mound, Ohtani has started a total of 86 games, pitching to a 3.01 ERA while striking out 608 batters in 481 2/3 innings. While the expectation is that Ohtani will pitch in 2025, he is coming off his second major elbow surgery in his five year career.
His Instagram post included an apology for "taking so long to come to a decision." He also publicly thanked the Angels and their fans.
"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved with the Angels organization and the fans who have supported me over the past six years, as well as to everyone involved with each team that was part of this negotiation process," Ohtani wrote. "Especially to the Angels fans who supported me through all the ups and downs, your guys' support and cheer meant the world to me. The six years I spent with the Angels will remain etched in my heart forever."
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