The Los Angeles Angels and star player Shohei Ohtani escaped arbitration by agreeing on Saturday to the terms of a one-year deal that will see the versatile player earn $30 million in 2023.
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This is the largest amount of money awarded to a player eligible for arbitration in major league history. The Japanese will become a free agent at the end of next season and can then sign a lucrative multi-year contract with the formation of his choice.
Over the past two campaigns, Ohtani has established himself as one of the most electrifying players in his sport. The 28-year-old, who excelled at both racquet and mound, was named the American League’s Outstanding Player last year.
The right-hander continued his momentum by completing a full 2022 season despite the Angels’ absences. With a few games to go, he hit .276 while amassing 34 homers and 94 RBIs.
Ohtani is as dominant as a pitcher, going 15-8 and maintaining a 2.35 ERA. He batted 213 men, the sixth-highest total in Major League Baseball that year.
In September, he became the first player in major league history to win 10 games and hit 30 long balls in the same season.