Shohei Ohtani: This is the richest contract ever signed in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States, making Ohtani one of the world’s highest-paid athletes.
Shohei Ohtani, a Japanese baseball sensation, has signed a seven-year, $700 million (£558 million) contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, surpassing football legend Lionel Messi’s four-year, $674 million contract with Barcelona, according to the BBC. This is the richest contract ever signed in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States, making Ohtani one of the world’s highest-paid athletes.
Earlier in July 2023, Messi signed a contract with Inter Miami that would pay him close to $60 million per year, including his salary, ownership of Inter Miami, and signing bonus. According to NBC Sports, Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas stated that the contract will span from July 1, 2023, until late December 2025.
Ohtani was the most wanted target in baseball at the moment, widely renowned and regarded as one of the best to have ever played the game. Previously, the bidding war for his signature began when Ohtani chose to depart the Los Angeles Angels as a free agency when his contract expired after a six-year stay.
“This is a unique, historic contract for a unique, historic player,” Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo of CAA Sports, told The Guardian in a statement. “He is excited to begin this partnership, and he structured his contract to reflect a true commitment from both sides to long-term success.” According to rumors, the contract’s value is comparable to that of megastars such as footballer Lionel Messi and basketball player LeBron James.
According to The Guardian, Ohtani’s total was 64% greater than baseball’s previous record, which was a $426.5 million, 12-year contract for Angels outfielder Mike Trout that began in 2019. When compared to other baseball players who concentrate on batting or pitching, experts feel Ohtani is equally talented in both disciplines.
Ohtani earned the American League MVP award in 2021, and he led Japan to a memorable triumph over the United States in March. This was Japan’s first World Baseball Classic championship victory over the Americans. Ohtani stated in an Instagram message that the Angels will remain “etched in my heart forever,” adding, “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.”
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