The 29-year-old Japanese player, Shohei Ohtani, signed the biggest and the richest athlete contract in the history of U.S. sports on Saturday. One of the best baseball players of this generation, Shohei was the pitcher, outfielder, and designated hitter for the MLB’s Los Angeles Angels before this record-breaking deal.
The baseball player signed with them in 2017 and even won the 2018 American League Rookie of the Year Award. However, Shohei has decided to take the next step forward in his life by leaving the Angels. Shohei Ohtani will be playing with the Dodgers starting next year.
He took over his social media to announce the news by sharing his feelings. Shohei showed his gratitude by thanking his fans for their support and their loud cheers while he was playing. He said that their enthusiasm and energy toward him meant the world to him.
Shohei also mentioned Angels, saying that the years he spent with the team will be etched forever in his heart. Furthermore, he also pledged to always do what’s best for the team and give his best. Shohei reasoned his decision by saying he desired to strive forward for the Dodgers as well as baseball.
Shohei Ohtani’s New Contract With The Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Shohei, the baseball superstar, with a $700 million contract over 10 years. This contract guarantees an annual income of $70 million for the player, which is more than what he used to earn. From 2018 to 2022, Shohei earned $9.7 million, out of which he earned a noteworthy $5.5 million in 2022 alone. Before the 2023 season, Shohei signed a $30 million 1 year contract with the Angels.
Although it’s estimated that this new contract will bring $70 million per year to the player, the exact terms of the deal remain unknown as of now. Experts are speculating that Shohei may earn about $105 million annually with his endorsements and Dodgers salary. Starting next year, Shohei Ohtani will be seen in a Dodgers jersey.
The fun fact here is that this new contract surpasses all the previous record-breaking deals. The previous biggest Major League contract was in 2019. The Angels signed Mike Trout for $426.5 million over 12 years. Another player to get a huge contract was Patrick Mahomes, who got a $450 million NFL salary with the Kansas City Chiefs over the following 10 years.
However, Shohei’s contract was huge news, seeing his chances of exercising free agency were looking bleak after he suffered a damaged UCL ligament back in August. He had to undergo surgery, yet the player persisted and proved he was the best. He was also awarded the American League Most Valuable Player Award in 2021 and 2023.
Shohei Ohtani Net Worth & Salary
Shohei Ohtani’s net worth is currently estimated to be around $20 million, but this will surely increase thanks to his record-breaking contract. From the endorsements and his Dodgers salary, his net worth will surely see a huge rise. His current salary is reported to be 55 lakhs USD, and he makes at least $50 million annually from off-field activities.
However, according to the latest news, it’s believed that the player will defer the $700 million, setting him up for life. He will be receiving $2 million per year, and this only shows what a great person Shohei is. He cares about winning and playing, and his focus isn’t on money right now.
More About Shohei Ohtani
The baseball player Shohei Ohtani is nicknamed Shotime. He made his professional debut with the NPB on 29th March 2013 and later debuted with the MLB on 29th March 2018. He was the first pick of the Fighters in the 2012 draft, which was a groundbreaking moment for the player.
Shohei was born in Mizusawa, Japan, and is the youngest of three children. You might not know this, but it was his father who coached him to play baseball while he was still a young boy. Today, he is one of the most celebrated athletes in Japan, and fans from all over love him.
