In a groundbreaking conclusion to the MLB offseason, Shohei Ohtani announced his monumental 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers, setting a new record not only in MLB history but also as the most lucrative deal in the annals of North American sports.
This colossal agreement not only makes Ohtani the highest-paid player in MLB history but also surpasses the impressive contracts of notable athletes like Mike Trout and Patrick Mahomes. It outstrips Trout's 12-year, $426.5 million deal with the Angels in 2019 and Mahomes' historic 10-year, $503 million contract in the NFL in 2020.
Examining Ohtani's deal in the context of the largest contracts in MLB history, he claims the title for both the highest total value and the highest average annual value (AAV). This unprecedented contract becomes the first-ever $500 million deal in MLB.
Largest Contracts in MLB History:
Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers): 10 years, $700 million
Mike Trout (Angels): 12 years, $426.5 million
Mookie Betts (Dodgers): 12 years, $365 million
Aaron Judge (Yankees): 9 years, $360 million
Manny Machado (Padres): 11 years, $350 million
Highest AAV in MLB:
Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers): $70 million
Max Scherzer (Mets): 3 years, $43.3 million
Justin Verlander (Mets): 2 years, $43.3 million
Aaron Judge (Yankees): 9 years, $40 million
Jacob deGrom (Rangers): 5 years, $37 million
When considering the largest contracts in North American sports history, Ohtani's $700 million deal significantly outpaces Patrick Mahomes, securing the position as the largest deal by nearly $200 million. Ohtani's annual earnings of $70 million place him second in the list of highest AAV, with professional boxer Canelo Alvarez leading at $73 million per year.
Largest Contracts in North American Sports History:
Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers): 10 years, $700 million
Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs): 10 years, $503 million
Mike Trout (Angels): 12 years, $426.5 million
Canelo Álvarez (DAZN): 5 years, $365 million
Mookie Betts (Dodgers): 12 years, $365 million
Highest AAV in North American Sports:
Canelo Álvarez (DAZN): $73 million
Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers): $70 million
Damian Lillard (Bucks): 2 years, $60.9 million
Anthony Davis (Lakers): 3 years, $59 million
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks): 3 years, $59 million
Hailing from Ōshū, Iwate, Japan, Ohtani gained prominence as both a pitcher and outfielder for Japan's Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. His journey led him to sign with the Los Angeles Angels in 2017, a move that culminated in him receiving the 2018 American League Rookie of the Year Award. Despite facing a torn ulnar collateral ligament, which necessitated Tommy John surgery in the same year, Ohtani persevered and clinched the American League Most Valuable Player Award in both 2021 and 2023.
As Ohtani approaches free agency at the conclusion of the 2023 MLB season, his trajectory took an unexpected turn with a right elbow ulnar collateral ligament tear, abruptly ending his season on August 23, 2023. Despite being the most coveted player in the league, uncertainties surround his destination during free agency. Teammate Mike Trout, the center fielder for the Los Angeles Angels, remarked on Ohtani's impending decision, emphasizing the unpredictability of the situation and the multitude of teams vying for his services.
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