Shohei Ohtani, who recently signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, saw his record stint as the highest-paid athlete in sports come to an end just a year later. The New York Mets agreed to a staggering 15-year, $765 million contract with Juan Soto, which eclipses Ohtani’s deal in both duration and financial structure.
Despite Ohtani’s historic achievement of being the first player in Major League Baseball history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season, the financial aspect of his contract raises eyebrows. His deal with the Dodgers includes a significant amount of deferred money—$680 million—which effectively reduces the contract’s value to approximately $460 million. In contrast, Soto’s entire deal is fully guaranteed with no deferred payments, allowing him to collect the full $765 million.
Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo, voiced contentment with their decision, highlighting the importance of winning a World Series with the Dodgers and maintaining a strong team dynamic. “We wouldn’t do anything different,” Balelo stated, referring to their satisfaction with the championship and the fit within the organization. He added that Ohtani’s endorsement earnings, expected to surpass $100 million, further mitigate the financial discrepancies.
Balelo emphasized that Ohtani’s original choice to sign with the Los Angeles Angels was not only financially based but also rooted in the opportunity to play as both a pitcher and hitter, which positioned him to earn significant accolades during his career.
The contract dynamics in professional sports often hinge on timing. While Soto’s market timing after Ohtani’s record-setting deal positioned him for a larger contract, it’s important to note Ohtani’s unparalleled two-way contributions and talent. Balelo explained that the Dodgers were committed to building a winning team around Ohtani and utilized savings from deferred payments to bolster their roster.
As Ohtani’s career progresses, Balelo confirmed that this decade-long contract may be Ohtani’s last as a professional player. At 39, he aims to conclude his career without a decline in performance, opting for quality over longevity in the latter stages of his sporting journey.
With fans anticipating nine more years of elite baseball from Ohtani, this contract ensures he remains a pivotal figure in the sport, continuing to inspire both through his performance and his contributions to the game.