On Dec. 14, 2023, the Los Angeles Dodgers introduced Shohei Ohtani during a highly anticipated press conference in the center field plaza at Dodger Stadium that was attended by nearly 300 media members.
Dodgers broadcaster Joe Davis served as the master of ceremonies, with president and CEO Stan Kasten, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and manager Dave Roberts among those to speak as well.
The Dodgers signed Ohtani to a record-setting 10-year, $700 million contract that was made official three days earlier. 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 came with unprecedented deferrals as he will earn only $20 million during the life of the deal and the remaining $680 million from 2034-2043.
The unique structure was presented by Ohtani, who reportedly sought assurances from the Dodgers that they would use the savings to build the most competitive team each season.
Ohtani’s top priority was winning the World Series after failing to reach the playoffs in his first six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels.
The Dodgers kept their promise to Ohtani as they went on to add the likes of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow and Tesocar Hernández, who all played a key role in the team winning the 2024 World Series.
Ohtani said after the season that he was honored to help the Dodgers get past the finish line and enjoyed the challenges that came along the way.
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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