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Shohei Ohtani shatters records with $700 million deal, joins Los Angeles Dodgers

Posted : 10 December 2023

In a historic move, Japan's baseball sensation, 29-year-old Shohei Ohtani, has inked a groundbreaking deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, securing the highest total sports contract ever at a staggering $700 million over the next decade. This decision marks a surprising twist, as Ohtani had been with the Los Angeles Angels, the Dodgers' arch-rivals, just last year.

 

The announcement on Instagram conveyed Ohtani's commitment to continual improvement not only for the Dodgers but for the entire baseball community, setting the stage for an era-defining tenure with his new team.

 

Hailing from Osho, a small town in northern Japan, Ohtani's journey into baseball began in a local league organized by the Mitsubishi factory where his father worked. His early experiences in the sport were marked by a unique perspective—while teammates agonized over losses, Ohtani relished the game, attributing it to a less intense approach to training.

 

By the age of 18, Ohtani's fastball had already reached an impressive 150 km/h, delaying his move to the U.S. as he negotiated the rare opportunity to both pitch and bat in the Japanese league. His eventual transition to the Angels in 2018 resulted in immediate recognition as the American League Rookie of the Year, though subsequent elbow surgery and a focus on hitting impacted his playing time.

 

Shohei Ohtani: Baseball star joins LA Dodgers in record $700m deal - BBC News

 

The pivotal shift in Ohtani's career came in the 2021 season when the Angels embraced his desire to play both pitching and batting consistently. Breaking away from the prevalent trend of "load management," Ohtani's success not only captivated audiences but prompted the league to adjust rules to accommodate his dual role.

 

Recognized as a marketing boon from Japan, Ohtani's impact extended beyond the field, transforming him into a sought-after free agent after winning his second MVP award. The resounding demand for his talents is underscored by the monumental $700 million contract with the Dodgers, solidifying Ohtani's status as a transformative figure in the world of sports.

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