Shohei Ohtani makes his decision, signs MLB record $700 million deal |
The Los Angeles Dodgers have won the superstar Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes as they signed him to a 10-year, $700 million contract, according to multiple reports on Saturday.
It was the largest contract in American sports history. “To all the fans and everyone involved in the baseball world, I apologize for taking so long to come to a decision,” Ohtani wrote in his post. “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." Ohtani hit .304 with 44 homers, 95 RBIs, and an MLB-best 1.066 OPS in 135 games in 2023. He also had a 3.14 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 23 starts this past season. Ohtani's remarkable performance over the last few years, both as a hitter and a pitcher, has made him one of the most coveted free-agent players in MLB history. "My understanding is that there were three finalists..."@JonHeyman talks through the latter stages of Shohei Ohtani's groundbreaking decision to sign with the Dodgers. pic.twitter.com/DWQJn3B4sz