Shohei Ohtani signs with the Dodgers for $700 million

Highly desired free agent Shohei Ohtani ultimately remains in the United States, having opted 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 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 on every team involved in this negotiation process.” books.

The Dodgers beat the Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Angels, the team with which the Japanese star played his 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 it my all to be the best version of myself.”

The guy who excels with the bat as well as he does on the mound has been named the American League Player of the Year. This was the second time he had won this prestigious honor.

After elbow surgery, Ohtani will not be able to play next year, but will still be useful offensively. During the last campaign, he maintained a .304 batting average, totaling 44 home runs and 95 RBIs. On the mound, the right-handed gunner maintained a 10-5 record and 3.14 ERA.

The agreement that the Japanese signed with the Dodgers is the most important contract in the history of Major League Baseball. The old brand was owned by Ohtani’s former colleague, Mike Trout. In March 2019, he signed a 12-year, $426.5 million contract.

Furthermore, the Dodgers would have to pay compensation in draft picks to the Angels, since the California team extended a qualifying offer to Ohtani.

phenomenon

Exactly six years ago, Ohtani announced his arrival in the major leagues with the Angels, aiming to become the first player since Babe Ruth to play as a center fielder and pitcher in the best league on the planet. .

He can say mission accomplished, having proven his worth as an outfielder, hitter and gunner. However, numerous injuries have robbed him of several starts on the mound since 2019.

Initially, Ohtani wanted to move to North America once he finished his high school career. The Hokkaido Fighters, a Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) team in Japan, still chose to draft him with the first pick in the 2012 auction. The risk has paid off for this organization, since Ohtani changed his mind and stayed home.

On the Japanese circuit, the Osho native has won a championship, an AFC Most Valuable Player award and five All-Star invitations in as many seasons. He was also the Pacific League’s top hitter and top pitcher twice.