Jon Rahm spent two days atop the sport’s contract rankings until a baseball star reshaped the landscape with a record 700 million dollar, 10-year pact with the Los Angeles Dodgers. That headline figure belongs to Shohei Ohtani, a rare athlete who excels as both a hitter and a pitcher. His unique dual-threat profile makes him a true unicorn in baseball, and the Dodgers have been eager to secure his services for a full decade. Yet Ohtani remains a one-of-a-kind figure beyond the field.
Relating to
- Keys to Rahm’s mega contract with Golf Super League, the biggest in the history of the sport
Sustainability before profit
Now 29, Ohtani pushed for a contract that prioritized the team’s sporting health and long-term viability over immediate savings. He focused on the Dodgers’ playing system and club structure, signaling a desire to help the franchise remain a playoff contender and a title threat over the next decade. He aimed to ensure the deal would not burden the Dodgers financially while preserving flexibility for the club to compete.
To achieve this, he and his agent crafted a deferred payment strategy designed to lessen annual tax exposure and maintain franchise liquidity. The plan would reduce the annual cash outlay and, in turn, lift revenue and brand value for the Dodgers, while distributing a meaningful portion of the earnings back to the club each year.
The Dodgers have long pursued Ohtani, dating back a decade to his early days with Nippon Ham Fighters. They explored moves in 2012 and again in 2017, when they cleared payroll space to pursue him and sought to bring him to American shores with the Angels. For a time, Toronto was viewed as a likely destination, but the Dodgers remained convinced that Ohtani belonged in Dodger blue after extensive discussions and simulations that underscored the deal as a global, transformative signing. Ohtani is also known for his iconic appearances in Japan, including a celebrated snow sculpture at the Sapporo Snow Festival in 2023 that drew millions of visitors.
Ultimately, the match looked right. Ohtani represents more than a signing for the Dodgers; it signals a powerful, cross-border collaboration that could redefine the franchise’s peak potential. The 2020-2021 Dodgers are still hailed as one of the game’s greatest teams, and with Ohtani, the ceiling becomes a moving target that excites fans and analysts alike.
What is it about the LIV Golf Super League that convinced Jon Rahm?
Ohtani wore the number 17 during seven seasons with the Anaheim Angels, earning multiple MVP acknowledgments and rookie honors before moving to the Dodgers. A recent decision about jersey numbers involving a pitcher highlights the Dodgers’ culture of respect and historic continuity. The possibility of shifting the number to Ohtani was discussed among the Dodgers, reflecting the team’s appreciation for his place in the sport’s narrative.
The Chosen One is a two-dimensional figure
When Ohtani turned pro, his representation confirmed that the Dodgers, Red Sox, Rangers, and Orioles were courting him. He ultimately joined Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan, embarking on a path no one had walked before. The plan allowed him to bat and pitch at the highest levels, a concept rare enough to earn him the moniker of the chosen one. Ohtani chose a path built on ambition and balance, guided by mentors who celebrated his dream and the chance to redefine what a baseball player can be.
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Shohei’s ascent into MLB stardom brought him into elite company. Over the past three seasons, he has stood out as one of the game’s most versatile talents, contributing as a hitter, runner, and pitcher. This multi-faceted excellence helps justify the Dodgers’ decade-long investment. To bolster the roster around him, there has even been discussion of bringing in other renowned players from Japan who are familiar with the American league landscape, should opportunities arise. A prior shoulder issue prevented Ohtani from starting as a pitcher in 2024, which sparked healthy debate about how he would fit into the Dodgers’ rotation. Regardless, supporters believe Ohtani will showcase his magic with the Dodgers and emerge as one of the sport’s most transcendent talents. The move is viewed as an enduring investment in the franchise’s future.