Shohei Ohtani is no longer in an Angel’s Uniform as he signed with the Dodgers. His contract is worth 700 million dollars for 10 years. However, people would say that is an overpay. I’m going to tell you in this next story why that’s not the case! Shohei Ohtani first came to the Angels in 2018 as a free agent from Japan, coming to America, he lost close to 200 million dollars just to play MLB. He gave his entire salary to his mother, so she could manage it, she gave him an allowance of $1,000 per month. Ohtani’s rookie season was spectacular, his first at-bat ever. Against the Oakland A’s. He hit a Single, He made his pitching debut two days later, he gave up three runs but still got the W, striking out six. He pitched again against the A’s, taking a no-hitter into the 7th, eventually giving up a single in the 7th to Marcus Seimen to break up the no-no. He struck out 12 strikeouts. Giving up only 1 hit! Then, Ohtani fell apart. losing his next three starts, then getting injured. He found out he needed Tommy John surgery in his right UCL. He played the rest of the 2018 season as a hitter, he hit well, earning strong enough numbers to win Rookie of the Year. But faced even more injury. 2019 was his year to hit, not pitch because of his elbow. He hit well but faced even more injuries. He eventually got back on the mound in 2020. But obstacles like COVID, rehabbing from injuries, and trying to train at two positions, made 2020, Ohtani’s worst season. Having an ERA over 37 and a batting average under .100, Ohtani came back to pitch and hit in 2021, he had the best season ever seen in the history of baseball. Winning his first MVP award which was unanimous. Later, Ohtani announced he was becoming a free agent at the end of 2023. It took a while for him to come to a decision on what team he was going to play for. Eventually, he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Making that contract the largest contract in sports history. Not just North American Sports… but sports! People potentially would think that’s an overpay, but there are some things to consider. Part of what you’re paying for Ohtani is his amazing pitching, his amazing hitting, and his value off the field, with sponsorships, deals with companies, and his overall talent as a person. Ohtani attracted more people to baseball games last year than anyone in the team’s history. Especially on the road. The Dodgers also have other star players on their team which makes the Dodgers World Series odds even higher. This $700 million contract was deferred so that the Dodgers could make more money to add more star players to their team.
Here is Why Shohei Ohtani is Not Overpaid
Braden Piscopo, Contributer
January 23, 2024
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