Shohei Ohtani signs historic $700 million contract with LA Dodgers

A record deal: Ohtani, 29, broke the news in an Instagram post Sunday. Reports say the 10-year, $700 million deal is the biggest in team sports history, beating early predictions.

The MLB two-way superstar, who previously played with Los Angeles Angels, vowed to do his best for his new team. “To all Dodgers fans, I pledge to always do what’s best for the team and always continue to give it my all to be the best version of myself,” he wrote.

A powerhouse team: With Ohtani on their roster, the Dodgers find a line-up of a powerhouse trio with him, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. All three made the top four list of players with the highest Wins Above Replacement stats for 2023.

In terms of offensive prowess, all three players were at least 50 runs better than the average hitter this past season, as per ESPN. Ohtani recorded 54 Runs Batting (Rbat), Betts 55 and Freeman 56.

No two-way showcase: Ohtani will reportedly play as a designated hitter for the Dodgers in the 2024 season. However, he is not expected to hit the mound until 2025 as he is still recovering from surgery due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow.