Shohei Ohtani signs record contract with the Dodgers: $700 million for 10 years

The baseball player announced his new team this weekend. He promised fans that he will "always do what's best for the team" and that he will "continue to give it my all to be the best version of myself."

Shohei Ohtani bateando para Los Angels. — (Cordon Press)

Published by

Santiago Ospital

December 10, 2023

2 minutes read

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Star baseball player Shohei Ohtani (29) signed a contract worth $700 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers for ten years. After weeks of uncertainty and speculation about his future, the current MVP of the American League closed the most lucrative contract in the history of sports.

"The six years I spent with the Angels will remain etched in my heart forever," the athlete posted on social media. He thanked the fans and his former team.

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.

Ohtani's agent, Nez Balelo, described the deal as a "unique, historic contract for a unique, historic player." He also highlighted that the agreed duration - a decade - demonstrates the "commitment from both sides to long-term success."

According to some estimates, the two-way player closed the most expensive contract in the history of sports. Sarah Wexler, a reporter for the official MLB site, pointed out that Ohtani dethroned the soccer player Lionel Messi, who in 2017 signed a contract for $674 million with FC Barcelona (although that contract was only for four years, until 2021).

As for baseball itself, Ohtani surpassed Mike Trout from the Los Angeles Angels by $273,500,000, who is now the second person on the list of most valuable contracts compiled by Sportac.