"It is the most unique contract in MLB history as all but $20 million of the total value will be paid out from 2034-2043, giving the Dodgers massive payroll flexibility. The deal also benefits Ohtani as he gets long-term security and tax savings. As a result, the two-way star only earns a $2 million salary each season. However, his total earnings was around $102 million in 2025 because of an array of endorsements with global companies."
"According to Kurt Badenhausen of Sportico, Ohtani joined Tiger Woods, Roger Federer and Stephen Curry as the only athletes to make $100 million in endorsements in a single year: Before Ohtani, endorsement earnings for MLB players peaked around $10 million for Derek Jeter and Ichiro Suzuki. Ohtani's $100 million in estimated endorsement earnings is a threshold reached by only three athletes ever in Tiger Woods, Roger Federer and Stephen Curry, who each did it one time."
Shohei Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers that defers all but $20 million to 2034–2043, creating substantial payroll flexibility for the team. The structure provides Ohtani long-term security and tax advantages while paying him a $2 million annual salary. Endorsements drove his total 2025 earnings to about $102 million. He has at least 20 brand partners and added six in 2025 including Epic Games, becoming the first active MLB player added to Fortnite. His endorsement haul placed him among athletes who reached $100 million in a single year. He ranked second among MLB earners in 2025 behind Juan Soto, who earned $121.9 million including a $75 million signing bonus.
Read at Dodger Blue
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