Shohei Ohtani, 29, has donned the uniform of the Los Angeles Dodgers, a ‘powerhouse’ team that could challenge for a World Series title. The Japanese archipelago is excited.
“Ohtani has agreed to sign a record 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers,” MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball, reported on Tuesday.
“I have chosen the Dodgers as my next team,” Ohtani said on social media, adding, “It took me too long to make this decision. I apologize.”
“I would like to thank the (hometown) Los Angeles Angels Angels organization and fans for their support over the past six years, as well as everyone involved in this negotiation process,” he said, adding, “I will do my best to give the Dodgers my best.”
“Idoryu” Ohtani has been the hottest player in the StubHub League this winter. First, he went 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA as a pitcher and a .304 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) of 1.066 with 44 home runs and 95 RBIs as a hitter this season.
Ohtani led the American League in on-base percentage (.654), slugging percentage (.412), and home runs, and was once again the unanimous American League MVP in 2021.
Many teams were interested in adding to their lineup. His negotiations were conducted under tight security. It was very difficult to predict his destination.
However, Ohtani had previously expressed a desire to win a World Series, which made the Dodgers a logical choice. The Dodgers have been strong in recent years, winning the National League West multiple times.
The Dodgers won the National League West again this season, winning 100 games in the regular season. Their center field lineup of Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and others are at the top of their game. With Ohtani in a Dodgers uniform, the team will be able to reliably challenge for a World Series title in the future.
Japanese audiences were equally enthusiastic. Japanese media outlet Full Count reported, “Ohtani has agreed to a 10-year, $700 million (approximately ¥101.4 billion) mega-contract with the Dodgers. It is the highest in Major League Baseball history and the highest in North American professional sports.” 보스토토
“The resurrection of Idoru will be after 2025,” the organization said, “but we are looking forward to seeing him in a Dodger uniform as we look forward to B.O.W.’s World Series victory in Los Angeles.”