The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani to a record-setting 10-year, $700 million contract last offseason that was uniquely structured to benefit both sides.
Ohtani deferred all but $20 million of the total value to the end of his contract so that the Dodgers could have maximum flexibility to their roster construction around him.
L.A. went on to sign the likes of Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Teoscar Hernández in free agency, while also acquiring Tyler Glasnow and giving him a long-term contract extension. The Dodgers later brought in Jack Flaherty, Tommy Edman and Michael Kopech at the July 30 trade deadline, who have all made significant contributions.
Dodgers principle owner Mark Walter is happy that Ohtani was able to reach the postseason for the first time with the team, via Dylan Hernández of the L.A. Times:
While clutching a beer of his own, Walter said of Ohtani, “I’m so happy we’ve been able to take him from never going to the playoffs to the World Series.”
Walter felt that the Dodgers bore a responsibility to Ohtani to put the best team on the field after made a significant financial sacrifice:
“That was what Shohei did to help us be able to make sure we could put the best team around him on the field,” Walter said. “I felt we owed him to do the best we could and get him there.”
The Dodgers overcame a 2-1 deficit to defeat the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series and have since eliminated New York Mets to capture another pennant.
The Dodgers are now four wins away against the New York Yankees from delivering another World Series title to Los Angeles.
Ohtani hasn’t yet needed to fully carry the team in October, but it may be more necessary if he hopes to win a championship in his first postseason experience.
Shohei Ohtani among 2024 Players Choice Awards finalists
Ohtani enjoyed a historic first season with the Dodgers as he hit .310/.390/.646 with 38 doubles, seven triples, 54 home runs, 130 RBI and 59 stolen bases in 159 games.
Ohtani is now among the finalists for two 2024 Players Choice Awards.
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