The Shohei Ohtani Sweepstakes is officially over. The magnificent Ohtani, a two-time American League Most Valuable Player, will head to the National League next season. Ohtani announced on Saturday afternoon that he’s elected to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Ohtani signed a record-setting deal with the Dodgers. The terms of his mind-blowing contract will see him make an earth-shattering $700 million over the next ten years.
Ohtani made the announcement of his decision on his personal Instagram account.
To all the fans and everyone involved in the baseball world, I apologize for taking so long to come to a decision. I have decided to choose the Dodgers as my next team.
First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved with the Angels organization and the fans who have supported me over the past six years, as well as to everyone involved with each team that was part of this negotiation process. Especially to the Angels fans who supported me through all the ups and downs, your guys’ support and cheer meant the world to me. The six years I spent with the Angels will remain etched in my heart forever.
And 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.
There are some things that cannot be conveyed in writing, so I would like to talk more about this again at a later press conference.
Thank you very much.
ESPN MLB Insider Jeff Passan reported the news on Saturday afternoon following Ohtani’s announcement on his Instagram.
Shohei Ohtani's deal with the Dodgers is for 10 years and $700 million.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 9, 2023
Passan also made an interesting note on Ohtani’s contract. Per a request by Ohtani himself, “Shohei Ohtani’s contract has significant deferrals that include most of his salary.” By doing this, Passan writes, “it reduces the cost of the competitive-balance-tax hit and will allow the Dodgers to build a better team around him.”
Shohei Ohtani's contract has significant deferrals that include most of his salary — an idea, a source said, that was Ohtani's. In deferring the money, it reduces the cost of the competitive-balance-tax hit and will allow the Dodgers to build a better team around him.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 9, 2023
Needless to say, this is a massive day for Major League Baseball and for the Dodgers, who signed the most-prized free agent in recent memory. Ohtani doesn’t have to move very far, having played the beginning of his career for the nearby Los Angeles Angels. He’s playing for one of the most recognizable franchises in the world, so this is massive to say the least.
[Shohei Ohtani on Instagram, Jeff Passan]
