Shohei Ohtani Inks Monumental Deal with Los Angeles Dodgers

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In a groundbreaking development in the world of sports, Shohei Ohtani, alongside Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Patrick Mahomes, and Mike Trout, has solidified his place as one of the highest-paid athletes globally, due to his remarkable achievements both on and off the field.

On a fateful Saturday, Ohtani, renowned for being a two-way baseball prodigy, penned a historic $700 million, 10-year contract with the prestigious Los Angeles Dodgers. This colossal agreement is undoubtedly a landmark in the annals of North American sports history.

Ohtani’s new deal catapults him into an elite echelon of athletes whose financial accolades mirror their unparalleled athletic prowess. His versatility is legendary, as he excels both as a batter and a pitcher. In a remarkable feat, Ohtani secured the AL MVP award for the second time, with a unanimous vote this year. His extraordinary batting statistics include a .304 average, 44 home runs, 95 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases while playing for the Los Angeles Angels. On the pitching mound, he showcased his mastery, achieving a 10-5 record with an impressive 3.14 ERA in 23 starts.

His remarkable journey is further highlighted by his astonishing $70 million average annual salary, nearly doubling his previous earnings of approximately $42.3 million with the Angels. Remarkably, this staggering salary exceeds the entire payrolls of certain MLB teams such as Baltimore and Oakland for the entire season.

Lionel Messi, another luminary in the realm of sports, also stands as a testament to the intrinsic value a player can bring to their team. Messi, the perennial recipient of soccer’s most coveted award, the Ballon d’Or, clinched a remarkable deal with Inter Miami spanning 2 1/2 seasons. His annual earnings range between $50 million and $60 million, culminating in a contract value between $125 million and $150 million, a testament to his immense influence on and off the field.

Cristiano Ronaldo, despite a somewhat turbulent exit from Manchester United, swiftly secured a lucrative agreement with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, spanning until June 2025. This remarkable deal is rumored to be worth up to $200 million per year, a testament to Ronaldo’s enduring star power.

Patrick Mahomes, a prominent figure in the NFL, recently restructured his colossal $450 million, 10-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. His revised deal ensures substantial earnings of $56.85 million for this season, $44.5 million for the next, $50 million in 2025, and $56.76 million in 2026. Mahomes’ exceptional performance, marked by record-breaking passing yards and Super Bowl victories, firmly cements his status as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks.

Before Ohtani’s groundbreaking contract, Mike Trout held the distinction of possessing the largest contract in MLB history. The prolific outfielder signed a monumental $426.5 million, 12-year deal with the Angels in March 2019. Despite contending with injuries in recent years, Trout’s career statistics speak for themselves, with a .301 batting average, 368 home runs, and 940 RBIs in 1,489 games.

In a noteworthy aside, LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers secured a substantial $97.1 million, two-year contract extension in August 2022, solidifying his presence in the NBA. Additionally, Auston Matthews, the center for the Toronto Maple Leafs, inked a remarkable $53 million, four-year contract extension in the same month, becoming the NHL’s highest-paid player commencing in 2024-25 with an average annual value of $13.25 million.

These astounding contracts reflect the ever-evolving landscape of professional sports, where exceptional talent and performance are handsomely rewarded, setting new standards for financial compensation in the world of athletics.

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Source: AP sports

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More about Ohtani’s $700 million deal

• Shohei Ohtani agrees to $700 million deal with Los Angeles Dodgers
• Lionel Messi’s contract with Inter Miami
• Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract with Al Nassr
• Patrick Mahomes’ restructured contract with the Kansas City Chiefs
• Mike Trout’s previous contract with the Los Angeles Angels
• LeBron James’ contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers
• Auston Matthews’ contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs