The biggest question of MLB free-agency has been answered: Shohei Ohtani is now a part of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Reportedly, Ohtani has agreed to an enormous 10-year, $700 million contract, marking the most lucrative deal in Major League baseball history, as per ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

This surpasses the $426.5 million contract awarded to former Angels teammate Mike Trout in 2019 over a 12-year period. Ohtani, a remarkable talent as both a hitter and pitcher, revealed his new team on Instagram, but withheld contract details.

Despite the Angels finishing fourth in the AL West in recent seasons, Ohtani secured two American League MVP awards. Following the groundbreaking news, Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo of CAA Sports, issued a statement on the historic deal.

“This is a unique, historic contract for a unique, historic player,” Balelo wrote. “Shohei is thrilled to be a part of the Dodgers organization. He is excited to begin this partnership, and he structured his contract to reflect a true commitment from both sides to long-term success. Shohei and I want to thank all the organizations that reached out to us for their interest and respect, especially the wonderful people we got to know even better as this process unfolded. We know fans, media and the entire industry had a high degree of interest in this process, and we want to express our appreciation for their passion and their consideration as it played out.”

The contract stipulates a significant portion of Ohtani’s earnings to be deferred, as reported by various sources. This arrangement provides the Dodgers with increased flexibility to build a team around the versatile star.

Ohtani, 29, delivered a career-best performance last season, boasting a .304 batting average, a 1.066 OPS, 44 home runs, 95 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases.

On the pitching front, he achieved a 10-5 record and a 3.14 ERA in 23 starts, accumulating 167 strikeouts in 132 innings. Unfortunately, a right elbow injury curtailed his season on Sept. 3, leading to Tommy John surgery, his second such procedure, likely sidelining him from pitching until 2025.

Ohtani’s primary strength lies in his performance as a left-handed batter. Over the last three seasons, he has hit 40 or more home runs twice, totaling 124. In the most recent season, he led the majors with a .654 slugging percentage and a 1.066 OPS, while also topping the AL with 44 homers and a .412 on-base percentage.

Ohtani joined the Angels in 2018 after a successful five-season stint with Japan’s Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, where he showcased his versatile abilities, hitting 48 home runs and maintaining a 2.52 ERA with 624 strikeouts in 543 innings as a pitcher.

After being posted by Nippon Professional Baseball, Ohtani opted for the Angels over the Mariners, Rangers, Dodgers, Padres, Cubs, and Giants. His initial two-year international signing agreement was for $2.3 million, close to the maximum permitted.

In 2021, Ohtani secured a two-year, $8.5 million deal to sidestep arbitration for two seasons. Approaching the end of his arbitration eligibility, he agreed to a one-year, $30 million deal for the 2023 season before entering free agency.

It’s been quite a run up to this point for the young Japanese star. What are your thoughts on the deal? We would love to hear from folks on X @vinquezada1 & @welikesportzpc.

By Vincent Quezada

Statistics: MLB.com

Photo Credit: Fox Sports

#MLB #LosAngeles #LADodgers

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