It was the hot question that needed to be answered before the holidays in major baseball: Where would Shohei Ohtani go? He decided to stay in California and signed a $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
• Also read: Ohtani and the other ultra-rich in Major League Baseball
• Also read: Ohtani: the crazy conspiracy theory setting the internet on fire
The 29-year-old Japanese pitcher and designated hitter enjoyed great popularity and fans of the Toronto Blue Jays hoped until the last minute that the exceptional player would decide to continue his career in the Canadian metropolis. However, he announced his goal via his Instagram account on Saturday.
Instead, he chose to stay a few dozen miles from where he has been since breaking into the majors in 2018.
Ohtani will therefore take Interstate 5 North from Angel Stadium in Anaheim for about fifty kilometers to settle at Dodger Stadium.
Big order
This 10-year deal, worth a total of $700 million, is by far the most lucrative contract in MLB history, easily surpassing Mike Trout's mark of $426.5 million.
“First, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved in the Angels organization and the fans who have supported me over the last six years, as well as everyone involved from each team who participated in this negotiation process,” Ohtani wrote.
The Japanese also addressed his new supporters, who undoubtedly cheered.
“And to all Dodgers fans, I promise to always do what’s best for the team and to continue to do everything I can to be the best version of myself.”
Desired
The Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Angels to the finish line.
The man who excels at both bat and on the mound was voted MVP of the American League this year. It was the second time he received this prestigious award.
Due to elbow surgery, Ohtani will not be able to play on the field next year, but will continue to be useful on offense. During last season, he maintained a .304 batting average, totaling 44 home runs and 95 RBIs. On the mound, the right-handed shooter posted a 10-5 record and a 3.14 ERA.
In addition, the Dodgers must pay compensation to the Angels as part of their draft decisions because the California team made a qualifying offer to Ohtani.
Reactions
Reactions to the news were obviously numerous and extended far beyond baseball. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback couldn't believe it.
Joey Votto from the Cincinnati Reds reacted surprisingly. “I laughed really hard in a store, they asked me if I was OK,” he wrote on X.
The Dodgers players weren't left out, they also shared their feelings on social media.
“If anyone knows of a good company that collects bottom cheeks, let me know,” Enrique Hernandez wrote on X.
“I wake up from a nap and BANGGG,” wrote Gavin Lux, also on X.
-With the QMI agency
The biggest contracts in sports history*
- Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB): 10 years ($700 million)
- Lionel Messi Barcelona (football): 4 years ($674 million)
- Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr (football): 2.5 years ($536.3 million)
- Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (NFL): 10 years ($450 million)
- Karim Benzema Al-Ittihad (football): 2 years ($436.3 million)
- Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels (MLB): 12 years ($426.5 million)
- Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB): 12 years ($365 million)
- Aaron Judge, New York Yankees (MLB): 9 years ($360 million)
*Team athletes, in US dollars
Conspiracy theory
Ohtani's trade attracted so much attention that conspiracy theories even popped up online that he was using the Blue Jays to boost the Dodgers' offer.
In particular, there was talk of a plane heading to Toronto with Ohtani on board. Since his agents refused to confirm or deny the information, everyone followed this plane that was carrying Robert Herjavec, a Canadian businessman known for his participation on the show “Dragon's Den,” the CBC equivalent of ” In the Eye of the Dragon,” which was broadcast on the radio. Canada.
Since Herjavec also appears as a speaker and is represented by the same agency as Ohtani, this is the origin of the conspiracy theory and the matter is still being debated.
Some also accuse the Ohtani camp of passing false information to journalist Jon Morosi, who first spoke about that flight to Toronto.
-With the QMI agency
A phenomenon
Exactly six years ago, Ohtani announced his entry into the major leagues with the Angels, intending to become the first player since Babe Ruth to play as a position player and pitcher in the best league in the world.
He can say his mission is accomplished as he has proven his worth as an outfielder, designated hitter and shooter. However, numerous injuries have kept him from multiple starts on the mound since 2019.
Ohtani originally wanted to make the move to North America as soon as he finished his high school career. The Hokkaido Fighters, a Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) team in Japan, still decided to draft him with the very first pick in the 2012 auction. The risk paid off for this organization as Ohtani changed his mind and stayed in his country.
On the Japanese circuit, the Oshu native has won a championship, an association MVP award and five All-Star Game invitations in as many seasons. He was also the Pacific League's leading hitter and pitcher twice.
-With the QMI agency