Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million Dodgers contract and what it means for MLB

Shohei Ohtani’s signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2023 has produced one of the strangest financial arrangements in MLB history. The headline figure was a staggering 10 years and $700 million. But the structure behind that number was just as important, with much of the money deferred into the future, rather than paid out during his playing contract.The agreement was more than just a salary story. Ohtani arrived in Los Angeles as one of baseball’s most recognisable stars, with a built-in international following and immense commercial value. His Dodgers jersey broke Fanatics’ 48-hour sales record, and his presence helped solidify the franchise’s connections to Japanese fans and businesses.Shohei Ohtani’s Dodgers contract creates a remarkable financial story beyond the $700 million headlineThe first big one. Ohtani is not going to get 70 million dollars a year for the 10-year playing term.