Two-Way MLB Megastar Shohei Ohtani Signs 10-Year, $700M Deal with Los Angeles Dodgers

While I primarily cover the NFL and NBA on this blog, some news is too big to ignore. Shohei Ohtani, a once-in-a-generation player that produces at MVP levels not only as a hitter, but also as a pitcher, entered 2023 MLB Free Agency as the biggest prize on the market in recent memory.

After six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels organization, Ohtani raked up tons of individual accolades: but the team failed to make their mark with any significant postseason runs, despite having Mike Trout, another player destined for all-time greatness, on the roster as well.

It was apparent Ohtani would likely leave the Angels this off-season. The Los Angeles Dodgers seemed like a natural fit: a championship contender right across town, which could allow for a smooth transition for Ohtani. Of course, the New York Yankees also had to at least be in the conversation, as a historic acquirer of the league’s best talent (New York went out and got Juan Soto instead.)

Per initial reports, Ohtani nearly made a shocking move in terms of player movement. Canadian teams have always been disadvantaged in terms of acquiring free agents in North American sports leagues, but rumors on December 8 indicated Ohtani was signing with the Toronto Blue Jays.

These reports were reported by me (per MLB Trade Rumors, who in turn cite Dodgers Nation reporter J.P. Hoornstra, who in turn cites sources close to the situation) on December 8, but were quickly refuted as premature.

Source: Shohei Ohtani has not made a decision yet.

That’s not to say it won’t ultimately be the Blue Jays; my understanding is that, at this point, that decision has not been made.
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) December 8, 2023

After the Toronto Blue Jays rumors were marked as unofficial, the narrative shifted that Ohtani’s decision may not be as close as people thought.

But just a couple short days later, Ohtani made the move many predicted from the get-go: leaving the Los Angeles Angles of Anaheim for the Los Angeles Dodgers across town.

Shohei Ohtani just posted on Instagram that he’s signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 9, 2023

Already a championship contender and must-see team, adding Ohtani to the roster gives the Dodgers instant Works Series-or-bust expectations.

Ohtani’s 10-year, $700 million contract isn’t just monumental and record-breaking, it’s extremely unique. $700 million over 10 years comes out to an average of $70 million pets season, but the Dodgers will instead pay Ohtani $2 million per year over the ten seasons of the contract, deferring $680 million to the end of the deal, Bobby Bonilla-style.

Shohei Ohtani will defer $68M per year of his $70M annual salary to allow Dodgers to keep spending, per @FabianArdaya pic.twitter.com/38ze5ON8vC
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 11, 2023

After suffering an injury in his throwing arm earlier this season, the 2023 AL MVP is not expected to pitch in 2024, meaning Los Angeles will have to wait until the 2025 season to utilize the two-way player to his full potential. Still, after hitting .304 with 44 home runs and 95 runs batted in over 135 games, the Dodgers are still adding an MVP-level hitter to their lineup as a designated hitter.

Will acquiring Ohtani put Los Angeles over the top? Will Ohtani continue to win MVP awards with the Dodgers? Only time will tell, so be sure to follow Sak Sports Blog for more.