Shohei Ohtani set yet another MLB record Saturday. This one came at the negotiating table.
The Los Angeles Angels and Ohtani reached an agreement on a record-setting $30 million contract for the 2023 season. It’s a huge raise for Ohtani, who made only $5.5 million this year. It also allows the two sides to avoid arbitration this offseason.
“Plenty of people in the industry were curious to see how his case would unfold, with Ohtani being the most unique player possible,” tweeted ESPN’s Jeff Passan. “Instead, he and the Angels settled and avoided answering that.”
This sets a record for a one-year contract, topping the $27 million deal Mookie Betts signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers after the 2020 season.
The 2021 AL MVP is set to become a free agent after next season, and that long-term contract will be mind-boggling. Many observers on Twitter pointed out that $30 million per year is a real bargain for the superstar.
Shohei Ohtani received a raise from $5.5 million this year to $30 million for 2023. Plenty of people in the industry were curious to see how his case would unfold, with Ohtani being the most unique player possible. Instead, he and the Angels settled and avoided answering that.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 1, 2022
Truly curious how his next contract plays out. How is it possible to value him. He is worth (at least) $30mil as a pitcher and also as a hitter. Does he get $60 mil a yr
— walt thomas 🇲🇽🇺🇸🇩🇪 (@waltthomas8) October 1, 2022
The Angels have signed P/DH Shohei Ohtani to a one-year, $30M deal for 2023 to avoid arbitration and it might be the biggest bargain in sports history.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 1, 2022
Shohei Ohtani and Angels agree at $30M, team announces, to avoid arbitration. Highest arbitration process figure ever. Much deserved!
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 1, 2022
SHOHEI OHTANI GETTING PAIDDDD!!
Much deserved! From 5.5 million this year to 30 MILLION NEXT YEAR
💰💰💰💰💰💰
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) October 1, 2022
Ohtani is having another incredible season, both at the plate and on the mound. He’s hit 34 home runs with an .888 OPS. He has posted a 15-8 record with a 2.35 ERA as a pitcher. He’s finishing strong despite the Angels’ struggles as a team. Thursday night, Ohtani took a no-hit bid into the eighth inning before losing it with two outs.He extended his hitting streak to 14 games the same night.
The fact that he is even in the conversation for AL MVP given Aaron Judge’s historic season shows he is remarkable.
[MLB.com]
