The Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB) have officially announced the signing of “two-hit baseball genius” Shohei Ohtani, 29.
The Dodgers announced on Wednesday (June 12) that they have signed the two-time American League Most Valuable Player (AL MVP) to a 10-year contract.
“I’m very grateful to the Dodger fans for the welcome,” Ohtani said in a statement from the organization, “and I’m 100 percent confident that the Dodgers and I have the same goal: to bring a World Series championship parade to Los Angeles.”
The news of Ohtani’s move to the Dodgers broke on April 10.
At the time, Ohtani posted on social media, “I have chosen the Dodgers as my next team. I apologize for taking so long to make the decision. I apologize,” and “I would like to thank the Los Angeles Angels organization and fans for their support over the past six years, as well as each of the clubs involved in this negotiation process. Until the end of my career, I will continue to serve not only the Dodgers, but the game of baseball.”
Local media in the United States reported that the Dodgers signed Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million contract.
It’s the largest contract in the history of sports worldwide.
Ohtani’s mega-deal was made even more controversial when it was reported that the Dodgers had first offered him a “deferred payment” option that would see him receive $680 million of the $700 million in total salary after the contract period.
Ohtani will receive 97% of his contract from 2034 through 2043, which will help the Dodgers avoid the competitive balance tax and allow them to continue to add power.
Ohtani, who broke into the major leagues in 2018 but has yet to reach the postseason, offered an “unprecedented salary deferral” and expressed his desire to win a World Series. In his comments to the club, he also set a goal of winning the World Series.
“We welcome Ohtani to the Dodgers organization, where legends like Jackie Robinson, Sandy Koufax and Hideo Nomo have played,” said Dodgers president Mark Walter. “Ohtani is a once-in-a-generation talent. He is also one of the most exciting players in the world. We look forward to working with him to ensure that Major League Baseball continues to bring joy to the world.” 안전놀이터