Shohei Ohtani, 29, has signed a contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers for a total of $700 million. Upon hearing the news, Dodgers catcher Will Smith, 28, expressed his excitement.
Smith appeared on MLB Network Radio on Tuesday (local time) and shared his thoughts on the signing of Ohtani.
Earlier, MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball, announced that “Ohtani has agreed to a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million (approximately KRW 92.4 billion) contract with the Dodgers,” 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.”
“Idoryu” Ohtani was the hottest player in Major League Baseball this winter. First, he went 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA as a pitcher and a .304 OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) of 1.066 with 44 home runs and 95 RBIs as a hitter this season, eventually winning the American League MVP. It was his second unanimous MVP award in 2021.
Ohtani is now a free agent after rejecting a qualifying offer from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (one year and $20.32 million in 2024). A number of big clubs had their eyes on Ohtani, but the Dodgers ultimately came out on top. 랭크카지노
How did the Dodgers’ players feel about the news of Ohtani’s signing? Smith, who is batting .261 with a .797 OPS, 19 home runs, and 76 RBIs this season, recalled the announcement: “It was a crazy day. “Everyone was on social media waiting for his decision, and the moment it was announced, I immediately checked ESPN on my phone.
Smith, who will likely be playing alongside Ohtani in the future, called him “a great player” and said, “We’re definitely stronger with him on the team. I’m looking forward to playing with him next season.”
Unfortunately, we won’t get to see Smith and Ohtani play together in the 2024 season. Ohtani underwent elbow surgery in September. He is expected to be available to hit in 2024, but is expected to return as a pitcher in 2025.