Dodgers Make History with Richest Contract in Baseball
In a stunning turn of events, Shohei Ohtani has become the highest-paid player in baseball history after signing a contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The deal, worth a whopping $700 million, shattered the previous record set by Ohtani’s former teammate, Mike Trout, who signed a $426 million deal in 2019.
Giant’s Generous Offer Falls Short
The Dodgers were not the only team vying for Ohtani’s services. The San Francisco Giants, led by president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi, made a compelling offer to the star player. Zaidi confirmed that the Giants met with Ohtani during his free agency and presented him with a deal that would have made him the highest-paid player in baseball history. However, despite the tempting offer, Ohtani ultimately chose to stay in southern California and join the Dodgers.
Ohtani’s Unanimous MVP Win and Remarkable Season
Ohtani’s decision to stay with the Dodgers comes on the heels of his second unanimous MVP win in three seasons. The multi-talented player had an exceptional 2023 season, nearly breaking the record for the most home runs in a single season with an astonishing 62.
At the plate, Ohtani led the majors with a .654 slugging percentage and a 1.066 OPS. His exceptional performance also included a .412 on-base percentage, 44 home runs, and a .304 average, ranking among the top players in the league.
On the mound, Ohtani’s brilliance continued, with a 10-5 record, a 3.14 ERA, and an impressive 167 strikeouts in 132 innings pitched. His ERA ranked among the top ten in MLB for pitchers who threw at least 130 innings, and his strikeouts per nine innings (K/9) were among the best in the American League.
A New Era for the Dodgers
With Ohtani’s historic contract, the Los Angeles Dodgers have solidified their position as a powerhouse in Major League Baseball. The team’s acquisition of the two-time MVP winner is a significant boost to their roster and a statement of their commitment to success.
As Dodgers fans eagerly await the start of the new season, Ohtani’s presence on the team promises an exciting era filled with record-breaking performances and memorable moments on the field.
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