The highly coveted free agent Shohei Ohtani ultimately remains in the United States, having chosen to join the Los Angeles Dodgers.
This is what he revealed on his Instagram account on Saturday. Ohtani signed a 10-year contract worth a total of $700 million. This is by far the most lucrative contract in MLB history, easily beating Mike Trout’s mark of $426.5 million.
“First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved in the Angels organization and the fans who have supported me over the past six years, as well as everyone involved with each team that participated in this negotiation process,” Ohtani wrote.
The Dodgers beat the Toronto Blue Jays, the San Francisco Giants, the Atlanta Braves, the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Angels, the team with which the Japanese superstar played its first six seasons in North America.
“And to all Dodgers fans, I pledge to always do what is best for the team and to always continue to give my all to be the best version of myself.”
The one who excels as much at the bat as on the mound was chosen the American League MVP this year. It was the second time he won this prestigious honor.
Having elbow surgery, Ohtani will not be able to pitch next year, but will remain useful on offense. During the last campaign, he maintained a batting average of .304, totaling 44 home runs and 95 RBIs. On the mound, the right-handed gunner maintained a 10-5 record and a 3.14 ERA.
The agreement signed by the Japanese with the Dodgers is the most imposing contract in the history of major baseball. The old brand belonged to a former teammate of Ohtani, Mike Trout. In March 2019, he signed a 12-year, $426.5 million contract.
Furthermore, the Dodgers will have to pay compensation in draft choices to the Angels, since the Californian team had made a qualifying offer to Ohtani.
A phenomenon
Exactly six years ago, Ohtani announced his arrival in the major leagues with the Angels, with the intention of becoming the first player since Babe Ruth to play as a position player and pitcher in the best league on the planet. .
He can say mission accomplished, having proven his worth as an outfielder, designated hitter and gunner. However, numerous injuries have deprived him of several starts on the mound since 2019.
Initially, Ohtani wanted to make the jump to North America as soon as he finished his high school career. The Hokkaido Fighters, a Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) team in Japan, still chose to draft him with the very first pick in the 2012 auction. The risk paid off for this organization, since Ohtani changed his mind and stayed in his country.
On the Japanese circuit, the Oshu native has won a championship, an association MVP award and five All-Star Game invitations in as many seasons. He was also the best hitter and best pitcher in the Pacific League twice.
2023-12-09 20:34:18
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