Baseball Star Shohei Ohtani Signs The Most Expensive Contract In Sports Worth $700 Million, What's His Net Worth?

Shohei Ohtani's net worth

Japanese professional baseball player Shohei Ohtani has an estimated net worth of $50 million as of December 2023, according to Essentially Sports. However, Ohtani’s net worth is expected to skyrocket in the coming years as he has recently signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This is the highest paying contract in sports, surpassing the likes of Christiano Ronaldo who has a $536 million contract with El Nassr, and Lionel Messi who has a $125 to $150 million contract with Inter Miami.

After the signing of the mega contract, The Athletic reported that the MLB superstar would defer the majority of the money in the initial years. As per the report, Ohtani will defer about $68 million of his $70 million salary per year taking only $2 million. The deferred amount will be paid to him between 2034 and 2043 without interest.

Shoei Otani’s sources of income

Career in baseball

Ohtani was born in Ōshū, Iwate, Japan and he showed great skills in baseball from a young age. At 18 years of age, Ohtani was throwing a 99 mph fastball and in the 2012 18U Baseball World Championship, he recorded 16 strikeouts, eight walks, and five runs drawing attention from the top MLB teams. However, Japan's Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters drafted him instead.

Ohtani made his debut in the Fighters' season-opening game in 2013, serving as a pitcher. He finished the season with a 3-0 record in 11 starts. In his second season, Ohtani threw a 101 mph fastball in the Mazda All-Star Game, setting a record for the fastest official pitch thrown by a Japanese pitcher. By 2015, Ohtani’s pitching performance was among the best in the league as he led in wins, ERA, and shutouts. He led the Fighters to victory in the 2016 Japan Series.

Career in MLB and Contract Earnings

After due consideration, Ohtani signed a deal with the Los Angeles Angels in December of 2017. He debuted as a designated hitter and later debuted as a pitcher as well. In his rookie season, he became the first major league player in almost 100 years to hit 15 home runs and pitch 50 innings in a single season, winning the American League Rookie of the Year.

In 2019, a bipartite patella injury followed by a flexor strain in his right elbow put him out of play. He came back in full swing in 2021 and hit a 450-foot home run on his first pitch faced. He went on to win a rare distinction by both starting on the mound and leading the Majors in home runs, becoming the first player to do so since Babe Ruth in 1921.

Ohtani continued to make history, becoming the first pitcher and the first Japanese player to be elected to the Home Run Derby, the first player to be selected as an All-Star as both a pitcher and position player, and the first leadoff man to throw a 100 mph fastball.

Between 2018 and 2022, Ohtani earned a salary of $9.7 million, and in 2022, he earned a salary of $5.5 million. Before the 2023 season, he signed a 1-year, $30 million contract with the Angels and became a free agent at the end of the 2023 season.

Shohei Otani’s $700 million contract with the LA Dodgers and current salary

After long speculation, Ohtani signed a mega 10-year, $700 million deal with the LA Dodgers on December 9, 2023. The fully guaranteed deal in terms of overall contract value is currently the largest contract in sports history. However, 97% of the $700 million is deferred until after 10 years.

Ohtani's will be making just $2 million per season during the contract and then get the remaining $680 million between 2034 and 2043. As per reports, the decision was made by Ohtani himself to allow the Dodgers to keep signing other star players during his contract.

Endorsements earnings

Ohtani reportedly agreed to defer most of his salary as his off-field earnings were substantial enough to sustain him. He has been sought after by numerous Japanese and American brands and signed endorsement deals with Seiko Watch, New Balance, Panini, Oakley, Fanatics, Hugo Boss, and Topps. As per Clutch Points, Ohtani makes around $35 million from endorsements alone and it is set to rise with his new record-breaking contract in place.

Shohei Ohtani's personal life

Ohtani is currently single, per reports. Earlier, rumors suggested that he was dating fellow athlete, Kamalani Dung but since Dung made her new relationship with a different partner public, the claims have been quashed.

Awards

2018 Baseball America Rookie of the Year Award

2018 Rookie of the Year Award (BBWAA)

2021 Baseball America Player of the Year

2021 Baseball Digest Player of the Year Award

2021 Edgar Martinez Award (Outstanding DH of the Year)

2021 Most Valuable Player Award (BBWAA)

2021 Outstanding Player of the Year Award (Player's Choice)

2021 Player of the Year Award (Player's Choice)

2021 Sporting News Major League Player of the Year Award

2021 The Silver Slugger Award (American League)

FAQs

How long has Shohei Ohtani been in the MLB?

Shohei Ohtani made his debut in America's Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2017 and has been active ever since.

Who signed a 700 million dollar contract?

Shohei Ohtani signed a mega 10-year, $700 million contract with the LA Dodgers.

How much is Shohei Ohtani worth?

Shohei Ohtani has an estimated net worth of $50 million as of December 2023 and his net worth is expected to rise in the coming years.

Why did Ohtani defer $680 million?

As per reports, Ohtani agreed to defer most of his salary to help the Dodgers sign other players and build a winning team around him.

Who has the most expensive contract in sports?

As of December 2023, MLB Player, Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million contract with the LA Dodgers is the most expensive contract in sports.

How much will Shohei Ohtani get paid?

Initially, Shohei Ohtani will just $2 million in direct salary but he will be paid $68 million annually after 10 years from 2034 to 2043.