The Los Angeles Dodgers have won the race to sign baseball’s extraordinary two-way talent, Shohei Ohtani, to one of the costliest contracts in professional sports.
According to ESPN, MLB.com, and other media sites citing Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo, the two-time American League MVP declared on Instagram that he has “decided to choose the Dodgers” as his next team; their historic deal is for ten years and $700 million.
The Japanese sensation, who pitches and bats as a designated hitter, would be traded from the Los Angeles Angels of the American League to the Dodgers, who have won 10 of the last 11 National League West division titles.
The Dodgers did not respond to inquiries about the matter. CNN has contacted Ohtani’s agents to check the agreement’s contents.
In recent weeks, the star’s free agency has been the subject of intense conjecture, and his deal is said to be the most lucrative in North American sports history. He confirmed the deal in an Instagram post Saturday.
In his Instagram post, Ohtani said, “To all the fans and everyone involved in the baseball world, I apologize for taking so long to come to a decision. I have decided to choose the Dodgers as my next team.
“First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved with the Angels organization and the fans who have supported me over the past six years, as well as to everyone involved with each team that was part of this negotiation process. Especially to the Angels fans who supported me through all the ups and downs, your guys’ support and cheer meant the world to me. The six years I spent with the Angels will remain etched in my heart forever.
“And 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. Until the last day of my playing career, I want to continue to strive forward not only for the Dodgers but for the baseball world.
“There are some things that cannot be conveyed in writing, so I would like to talk more about this again at a later press conference.
“Thank you very much”
Ohtani has been with the Los Angeles Angels since his debut in the Major League Baseball in 2017. Multiple teams have lined up ahead of his free agency to sign the 29-year-old Japanese star, who has been tight-lipped about his career prospects.
He will not pitch again until 2025 after undergoing elbow surgery, and will instead serve as a designated hitter in 2024.
If fulfilled, the contract would be one of the largest in sports history.
“This is a unique, historic contract for a unique, historic player,” Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo said, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
“He is excited to begin this partnership, and he structured his contract to reflect a true commitment from both sides to long-term success,” Balelo continued.
Spotrac reports that Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has the NFL’s most expensive contract, totaling $450 million over ten years.
According to Spotrac, five-year contracts worth more than $250 million are held by Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics), Nikola Joki (Denver Nuggets), and Bradley Beal (Phoenix Suns) in the NBA.
Lionel Messi’s deal at MLS team Inter Miami is valued between $50 and $60 million per year, according to part-owner Jorge Mas earlier this year, whereas the Argentine ace was on a $672 million contract with Barcelona between 2017 and 2021.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi’s long-time rival, is allegedly on a two-and-a-half-year contract worth more than 200 million euros ($220.16 million) with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.