In an unparalleled and mind boggling event, reigning American League Most Valuable Player Shohei Ohtani has agreed to terms with the Dodgers on a record-demolishing 10-year, $700 million deal. He updated on X (formerly Twitter) stating “To all Dodgers fans, 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.”
Record Demolishing $700M Shohei Ohtani Contract
As per Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo of CAA Sports “This is a unique, historic contract for a unique, historic player,” , he said in a statement. “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.”
It is mind boggling indeed. This contract is believed to be the largest contract in worldwide sports history, surpassing soccer superstar Messi’s $674 million deal with FC Barcelona from 2017-21. It also surpasses the roughly $679 million Kylian Mbappé would earn if he opts to stay with PSG through 2025.
In terms of the history of North American team sports, it exceeds Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ 10-year, $450 million extension; in baseball, it surpasses now-former teammate Mike Trout, who agreed to a 12-year, $426.5 million extension with the Angels in 2019.
$700M Shohei Ohtani Contract
In the world of baseball, there are players who stand out for their exceptional skills, and then there is Shohei Ohtani – a true game-changer who has redefined the way we view the sport. Hailing from Japan, Ohtani has taken Major League Baseball (MLB) by storm, showcasing an unprecedented combination of pitching prowess and hitting power. The extraordinary talent that is Shohei Ohtani and the impact he’s making on the game has helped him bag the biggest contract ever in sports history.
Get used to seeing a lot more of this 😳 pic.twitter.com/z2Y3VORYr2
— MLB (@MLB) December 9, 2023
Early Life and Rise to Stardom
Born on July 5, 1994, in Oshu, Japan, Shohei Ohtani displayed a natural aptitude for baseball from a young age. His journey to the MLB began in 2012 when he joined the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league. Ohtani quickly gained attention for his remarkable abilities both on the mound and at the plate.
Ohtani’s Arrival in Major League Baseball
In 2018, Shohei Ohtani made a highly anticipated move to Major League Baseball, signing with the Los Angeles Angels. His arrival was met with excitement and skepticism, as the idea of a player excelling as both a pitcher and a hitter seemed almost too good to be true. However, Ohtani wasted no time proving that he was the real deal.
Pitching Excellence
As a pitcher, Ohtani possesses a dazzling array of pitches. His fastball regularly touches triple digits, and he complements it with a devastating splitter and slider. Ohtani’s ability to command his pitches and keep hitters off balance has made him one of the most dominant pitchers in the league.
During his rookie season in 2018, Ohtani showcased his pitching prowess by compiling a 4-2 record with a 3.31 ERA and 63 strikeouts in just 51.2 innings. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery.
Hitting Power
What sets Ohtani apart from his peers is his exceptional ability as a hitter. A left-handed batter, Ohtani possesses incredible power and has the rare capability to hit for both average and distance. His swing is a thing of beauty, generating tremendous bat speed that translates into jaw-dropping home runs.
In 2021, Ohtani took his hitting exploits to new heights, captivating baseball fans around the world. He became the first player in MLB history to be selected as an All-Star as both a pitcher and a position player in the same season. Ohtani’s offensive numbers were staggering, finishing the season with 46 home runs, 100 RBIs, and a .257 batting average.
Two-Way Phenomenon
What makes Shohei Ohtani truly unique is his commitment to being a two-way player. In an era where specialization is the norm, Ohtani has embraced the challenge of excelling in both pitching and hitting. This dual-threat capability has not been seen in the MLB for over a century, harkening back to the days of Babe Ruth.
Ohtani’s impact on the game extends beyond his individual accomplishments. He has ignited discussions about the possibility of more players adopting a two-way approach, challenging traditional baseball norms and inspiring a new generation of athletes to broaden their skill sets.
Off the Field
Beyond his on-field exploits, Shohei Ohtani has endeared himself to fans with his humble demeanor and work ethic. Despite the immense pressure and expectations, Ohtani remains remarkably composed and focused. His dedication to continuous improvement and team success has earned him the respect and admiration of teammates, opponents, and fans alike.
Shohei Ohtani Wife
The legendary Japanese Hunk Ohtani is currently single. Ohtani was reportedly dating Kamalani Dung, but Dung has now made public a new relationship, eliminating Ohtani from the picture. It was never confirmed that Ohtani and Dung were official, but multiple sources, linked the couple together. So to all the fans speculating Dung to be his wife, hold on. He is still the most eligible bachelor.
Shohei Ohtani Girlfriend
Xeana Kamalani Dung, also known as “Kama Dung,” is an American right-handed softball pitcher for the Athletes Unlimited Professional Sports League. She was Othani’s girlfriend and is currently dating the Hawaii-based musician Dillon Pakele; in June 2022, she made their relationship public by a post on Instagram featuring Palake with her in a music video.
Global Icon
Shohei Ohtani’s influence extends beyond the baseball diamond. He has become a global icon, drawing attention not only to the sport but also to the international talent that enriches the MLB. Ohtani’s success has transcended cultural and linguistic barriers, making him a symbol of unity and excellence in the world of sports.
Shohei Ohtani’s impact on Major League Baseball is nothing short of revolutionary. His ability to excel as both a pitcher and a hitter has shattered long-standing conventions, redefining what is possible on the baseball field. Ohtani’s journey from Japan to the MLB has not only elevated his status as a baseball superstar but has also left an indelible mark on the sport’s history. As we witness the Ohtani era unfold, one thing is clear – we are witnessing a once-in-a-generation talent who is changing the game and inspiring a new era of baseball greatness. The Dodgers for sure are going to benefit from this record breaking contract.
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