Shohei Ohtani, the two-time MVP, is the talk of the town as the race to sign him heats up. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confessed to meeting with the Japanese star, adding that the chat went well. However, Ohtani remains the master of his own destiny, vowing to do what feels best for him.
Roberts' openness marked a departure from the previous veil of secrecy surrounding Ohtani's meetings with potential suitors. The Dodgers have emerged as frontrunners for Ohtani's signing, but they're not alone. The Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, and the veteran Los Angeles Angels also have their eyes on the coveted talent.
The impending deal between Ohtani and his future team is set to break records, shattering the existing standards in professional sports. Ohtani's expected contract is worth $700 million over ten years, with deferred payments spanning from 2034 to 2043. The new deal will redefine what it means to be highly compensated in baseball.
This development is a significant turning point for Major League Baseball. According to USC Sport Journalism Professor Jeffrey Fellenzer, Ohtani's contract will set a new standard, with the numbers topping 50 to 60 million dollars per year.
Meanwhile, Ohtani is making progress in his recovery from elbow surgery, expected to return to pitching in May 2025. In the meantime, he qualifies as a two-way player under MLB's revised rules, allowing the Dodgers to capitalize on his skills as both a hitter and a pitcher.
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This potential landmark contract for Ohtani will without a doubt leave a remarkable impact on Major League Baseball. If Ohtani secures a 10-year contract worth over 500 million dollars, he will have truly redefined what it means to be highly compensated in the world of baseball.
Enrichment Insights
- After signing a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani will be the highest-paid player in professional sports history.
- The negotiation process was described as professional and respectful by Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten.
- Ohtani is expected to return to pitching in May 2025, following his recovery from elbow surgery. Despite not pitching in 2024, he qualifies as a two-way player under MLB's new rules.
- Ohtani's agent, Nez Balelo, ensured transparency throughout the negotiations, contributing to a quiet and respectful process.
- The precise date for Ohtani's first mound appearance after returning to pitching is yet to be determined, although he has made significant progress in his shoulder recovery.
