In a groundbreaking move, Shohei Ohtani, widely regarded as the most unique player in baseball history, has signed a historic 10-year, $700 million contract with the prestigious Los Angeles Dodgers. Making the announcement on his Instagram page, Ohtani expressed his excitement about joining the Dodgers, marking a significant shift from his former team, the Los Angeles Angels.
This monumental deal, surpassing all previous records by over $250 million, establishes Ohtani as one of the highest-earning athletes globally. The contract includes a staggering $70 million average annual salary, eclipsing the previous MLB record held by Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer.
While the Dodgers are yet to officially confirm the deal, sources reveal that Ohtani’s contract lacks any opt-outs. Notably, the majority of Ohtani’s salary will be deferred, a strategic move to ease the Dodgers’ competitive balance tax payroll burden, offering greater flexibility for team additions over the contract’s duration.
Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo, described the deal as a “unique, historic contract for a unique, historic player.” The 29-year-old Japanese sensation has rewritten the baseball narrative, being the first player in history to secure unanimous MVP honors twice, showcasing exceptional prowess as both a pitcher and a hitter.
This groundbreaking move follows weeks of speculation about Ohtani’s future, sparking a bidding war among top baseball franchises. The Dodgers, securing the coveted signature, have made a resounding statement in the world of sports, and Ohtani is poised to continue his transformative impact on baseball with this historic partnership.
In a heartfelt statement, Ohtani expressed gratitude to the Los Angeles Angels, acknowledging that they would remain etched in his heart forever. He affirmed his commitment to striving forward, not only for the Dodgers but for the entire baseball community, until the last day of his playing career.
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