On Dec. 9, 2023, Shohei Ohtani announced his intention to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers in an Instagram post that has since received more than 2.3 million likes.
Multiple reports followed that the Dodgers were signing Ohtani to a record-setting 10-year, $700 million contract. It stood as the largest deal in professional sports history until the New York Mets signed Juan Soto to a 15-year, $765 million contract.
Ohtani’s contract with the Dodgers was made official on Dec. 11. He was formally introduced during a press conference at Dodger Stadium three days later, which saw nearly 300 media members attend.
The Dodgers were long considered the favorites to sign Ohtani due to their deep pockets, recent history of winning and geographical location.
The team hosted Ohtani for multiple free-agent visits at Dodger Stadium and impressed him with a video that late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant recorded in 2017.
Ohtani cited the Dodgers’ strong desire and commitment to winning World Series as a key reason behind his decision to sign with the team.
That was important to Ohtani, who spent six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels and put up historic numbers as a two-way player but never reached the playoffs.
Ohtani was just as committed to helping the Dodgers accomplish their goal as he agreed to unprecedented deferrals in his contract. The short-term financial sacrifice allowed the team to continue adding elite talent around him and ultimately win the 2024 World Series.
Shohei Ohtani’s historic first season with Dodgers
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’s efforts helped him become the first player to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season.
He earned his third MVP Award in unanimous fashion and also won Silver Slugger honors, among other accolades.
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