Shohei Ohtani’s incredible journey to transform the baseball world’s perception of what is achievable reached a new milestone on Saturday. This came in the form of a record-breaking deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, announced by his agency CAA. The 10-year, $700 million contract is the largest in the history of major North American team sports.
Ohtani shared his decision on Instagram, putting an end to years of speculation about his future. The 29-year-old two-way sensation has captivated the industry since his move from Japan to Major League Baseball in 2018. His feats on the field have been likened to those of Babe Ruth, and the level of interest from teams and fans across the country was unprecedented.
Ultimately, it was the Dodgers who secured Ohtani’s services. His contract not only reflects his immense talent but also his unparalleled star power, surpassing the previous records set by players like Aaron Judge and Mike Trout. This deal even exceeded historic contracts in other sports, such as that of soccer star Lionel Messi.
Ohtani’s move to the Dodgers now presents an opportunity for him to achieve collective success. The team’s history of winning, including a World Series victory in 2020, could provide the postseason experience that Ohtani has yet to enjoy in his career. This aligns with the goals that Ohtani strives for, as stated by his former teammate Lars Nootbaar.
Despite his individual brilliance, the Angels’ lack of success prompted Ohtani to pursue a different path. Now, with the Dodgers, Ohtani has the chance to add another dimension of achievement to his career. However, questions remain about his health and how the team will navigate his physical issues.
Ohtani’s agent has emphasized that he remains committed to both pitching and hitting, with the goal of returning to the mound in the future. While his value as a pitcher may be impacted by his surgical history, his hitting prowess presents a different opportunity for the Dodgers. It remains to be seen how his role in the team will evolve as he continues to navigate his career.
Ohtani’s relentless pursuit of greatness both as a hitter and a pitcher has led to comparisons with the legendary Babe Ruth. This comparison emphasizes the unprecedented nature of Ohtani’s skill set and the potential he holds for the Dodgers. As he embarks on this new chapter of his career, all eyes will be on Ohtani and the impact he can make on the team and the sport as a whole.
Ohtani will not pitch in 2024 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, but his agent stressed he’s committed to returning to the mound. (Photo: Michael Owens / Getty Images)
Ohtani’s commitment to being a starting pitcher signifies his unwavering dedication to the sport. Whether he continues to pitch or focuses solely on hitting, his value to the Dodgers is unquestionable. The road ahead may have its challenges, but Ohtani’s presence in the game is set to leave a significant impact.