Shohei Ohtani, celebrated as a once-in-a-lifetime talent, signed the largest contract in sports history, catapulting his net worth into the upper echelons.
Before his groundbreaking deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, SportsKeeda and ClutchPoints estimated Ohtani’s net worth at $50 million. This valuation stemmed from a $30 million contract for 2022 with the Los Angeles Angels and approximately $35 million in endorsements, positioning him as the top-earning baseball player off the field.
On December 9, 2023, Ohtani secured a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers, surpassing Mike Trout’s $426.5 million, 12-year contract with the Angels from 2019. This deal exceeded the $450 million Patrick Mahomes will earn over the next decade with the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs.
Details of Shohei Ohtani’s Contract
Ohtani’s record contract is intricate. It doesn’t involve a straightforward annual payment of $70 million over 10 years. Instead, the contract is structured with a deferred payment plan, with $680 million of the $700 million total delayed.
Read: Shohei Ohtani’s Salary Breakdown with LA Dodgers
Ohtani will receive $2 million annually until 2034, followed by $68 million annually for the next decade, with no interest. His financial portfolio is further bolstered by endorsements from New Balance, Fanatics, Topps, and numerous Japanese firms, with rumours suggesting his annual earnings could reach $100 million post-contract.
Ohtani’s Health Considerations
Despite his economic and athletic success, Ohtani’s health remains a concern. Known for being injury-prone, he participated in only 72% of the Angels’ games over six years.
His on-field achievements are remarkable. He was the first to hit 54 home runs and steal 59 bases in a single season. However, he was injured during game 2 of the World Series against the Yankees.
At 30, Ohtani is at his career’s peak. Given the longevity typical of professional baseball careers, he will likely fulfil his contract with the Dodgers.
