This Day In Dodgers History: Shohei Ohtani Signs 10-Year, $700 Million Contract

"On Dec. 11, 2023, Shohei Ohtani officially signed his record-breaking 10-year, 700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. After six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani revealed his decision to sign with the Dodgers through an Instagram post just two days earlier where he announced his intention to bring a World Series title to Los Angeles. After passing his physical and putting pen to the paper, Ohtani officially became a Dodger."

"Despite the colossal size of Ohtani's contract, the payment structure is team-friendly due to the unheard of total of deferred money, pushing $680 million down the line. Ohtani agreed to that type of contract in the interest of allowing the Dodgers continue to add talent in free agency, even going so far as to include language in his deal to ensure the team reinvests the money saved back into the roster."

Shohei Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Dec. 11, 2023 after leaving the Los Angeles Angels and announcing his decision via Instagram. The deal was the largest in MLB and professional sports at the time and was later surpassed by Juan Soto's Mets contract. The agreement included roughly $680 million in deferred payments, making it team-friendly and designed to let the Dodgers pursue other free agents. The Dodgers added multiple high-profile players afterward. Ohtani won National League MVP honors, returned to pitching, and helped the Dodgers win World Series titles.

Read at Dodger Blue