Dodger BlueDodger BlueDodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Font ResizerAa
Dodger BlueDodger Blue
Font ResizerAa
  • Dodgers News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
  • Team
  • Video
  • Odds
  • About
Search
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Dodger Blue > Dodgers News > Mark Walter Predicted Dodgers Would Sign Shohei Ohtani
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Mark Walter Predicted Dodgers Would Sign Shohei Ohtani

Matthew Moreno
December 17, 2023
4 Min Read
Mark Walter, Shohei Ohtani
Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

The Los Angeles Dodgers achieved arguably their biggest goal of the offseason by signing Shohei Ohtani, who was said to be a top target for the Guggenheim ownership group and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman.

The Dodgers had long appeared to be planning for Othani’s free agency, and their interest — or determination — to signing the two-way superstar reportedly increased after a second consecutive postseason failure.

That culminated with Ohtani signing a record-setting 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers. Though, he provided financial flexibility by deferring $680 million of his salary until after the contract expires.

Ohtani was formally introduced during a press conference at Dodger Stadium, which was attended by Dodgers owner Mark Walter, president and CEO Stan Kasten, Friedman and more members from the front office and organization.

During an appearance with David Vassegh on “Dodger Talk” after the festivities, MLB Network personality Harold Reynolds relayed a prediction Walter made about signing Ohtani when watching him at the 2022 MLB All-Star Game, via AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio:

“I’ve gotten to know Mark Walter, the owner of the Dodgers, over the last four or five years, and I can give the backstory now. I remember the All-Star Game here in L.A., guys are taking B.P. and players are out there, and he goes, ‘I want that guy right there. I’m going to get him in two years.’ He was talking about Ohtani. That was his plan.

“You have to start planning along the way if you’re going to land one of these players. And just watching the way Mark has gone about things, whether it’s the Lakers, whether it’s the Dodgers, Chelsea soccer team or Guggenheim, he’s got a plan and what he’s trying to do.”

The Dodgers’ interest in Ohtani predates Walter’s arrival with the Guggenheim ownership group in 2012, as they attempted to sign him out of high school. Ohtani ultimately elected to remain in Japan and play for the Nippon Ham Fighters before getting posted in 2017.

The Dodgers were among the teams to secure a meeting with Ohtani, but he stunned the industry by signing with the Los Angeles Angels. It’s believed the Dodgers were negatively affected in part by MLB not yet having a universal designated hitter implemented.

Shohei Ohtani contract clause includes Mark Walter

One of the many intriguing details of Ohtani’s contract with the Dodgers is a clause tied to the future of Walter and Friedman. If either is removed from their current roles, Ohtani will be permitted to potentially opt out of his contract.

Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Los Angeles DodgersMark WalterShohei Ohtani
ByMatthew Moreno
Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Executive Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Los Angeles Dodgers teammates Cody Bellinger and Corey Seager on deck at Chase Field
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Cody Bellinger Anticipating Adjustment From Giants After Corey Seager Capitalized On Intentional Walks With Career-High 4 Hits

June 9, 2019
June 9, 2019
Game Central

Andre Ethier Hits Pinch-Hit Home Run, Dodgers Comeback Against Phillies To Lower Magic Number To 1

September 21, 2017
September 21, 2017
Blake Treinen, 2021 NLCS
Dodgers NewsFeatured

2021 Los Angeles Dodgers Player Reviews: Blake Treinen

January 15, 2022
January 15, 2022
Gavin Stone, 2023 Spring Training
FeaturedGame Central

Phillies Vs. Dodgers Game Preview: Gavin Stone Makes MLB Debut & Chance For Series Sweep

May 3, 2023
May 3, 2023

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

  • 日本語
  • 한국어