Shohei Ohtani Signs $700M Deal With Dodgers, Largest Contract In Baseball History

Shohei Ohtani, baseball’s superstar, has signed a 10-year, $700M deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The deal is the largest in the history of baseball. Furthermore, it brings an end to the understated and surprisingly quiet sweepstakes for the most sought-after free agent in baseball. “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 wrote after the deal was announced.

Ohtani’s deal eclipses the previous record nearly by over $250M. The previous mark was $426.5M, set by Mike Trout’s 12-year deal with the Angels. “This is a unique, historic contract for a unique, historic player. Shohei is thrilled to be a part of the Dodgers organization. He is excited to begin this partnership, and he structured his contract to reflect a true commitment from both sides to long-term success. Shohei and I want to thank all the organizations that reached out to us for their interest and respect. Especially the wonderful people we got to know even better as this process unfolded. We know fans, media and the entire industry had a high degree of interest in this process, and we want to express our appreciation for their passion and their consideration as it played out,” Ohtani’s agent said in a statement.

Read More: Shohei Ohtani Reaches Historic Two-Way Player Milestone

Shohei Ohtani Will Hit, Not Pitch In 2024

Of course, Ohtani has established himself as the new definition of a two-way player. However, he not spend his first season in LA as a two-way player. Towards the end of the 2023 season, Ohtani tore his ulnar collateral ligament. Requiring surgery, Ohtani will not pitch next season. This will limit him to hitting duties, which he is likely to do from the designated hitter role.

As the news was announced, Ohtani thanked the Angels faithful for supporting him for the first six years of his MLB career. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved with the Angels organization and the fans who have supported me over the past six years. As well as to everyone involved with each team that was part of this negotiation process. Especially to the Angels fans who supported me through all the ups and downs, your guys’ support and cheer meant the world to me. The six years I spent with the Angels will remain etched in my heart forever,” Ohtani wrote.

Read More: Top 10 Athletes Of 2023

[via]

The post Shohei Ohtani Signs $700M Deal With Dodgers, Largest Contract In Baseball History appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Shohei Ohtani Makes History With Two Blunders

Shohei Ohtani has quickly risen to stardom in the MLB. The Los Angeles Angels star is known for doing it all, literally. Ohtani is a starting pitcher and one of the best offensive weapons on the team. The league has never seen someone with the talent of the Japanese sensation. However, on Wednesday, Ohtani made baseball history for all the wrong reasons. But the moment will forever be remembered by all the fans of the MLB.

The MLB has started a set of new rules this season. One of those rules is the pitch clock. The pitch clock is an attempt to speed up the game while gaining new eyes on the product. Baseball has long been known as the game that drags on, with very little action in downtime. Now with the pitch clock, pitchers only have 20 seconds to deliver their next pitch. On the other side, batters have 15 seconds to be in the batter’s box for said pitch. Failing to do so as a pitcher results in a ball call for the batter. While for the batter, it is a called strike. On Wednesday, Ohtani was the first player to ever have a violation as a pitcher and hitter in the same game.

Shohei Ohtani Creates History In Less Than Satisfying Fashion

The chances of this happening were larger than most think. Ohtani takes the mound at least once a week. While during those appearances, Ohtani will also perform hitting duties. The Angels phenom took the incidents in stride. Because, really, there’s no other way to take the violations. Ohtani has already had a huge year on the diamond. The do it all athlete helped lead Japan to the 2023 World Baseball Classic Championship. The final moment of that game saw Ohtani striking out his Angels teammate Mike Trout.

The pitch clock has seemed to be a positive impact on baseball. Games are finishing up a lot faster than in previous years. However, the most important rule change this season may very well be the banning of the shift. Now it seems as if we are seeing more hits. Especially up the middle of the field. Baseball is changing for the better, and no one seems to have that big of an issue. What are your thoughts on the new rules in the MLB? Sounds off in the comment section with your thoughts. For the latest happenings inside the MLB, stay right here at HNHH.