Ohtani, Dodgers set for new era
Shohei Ohtani flashed a $700 million smile Thursday as the Los Angeles Dodgers unveiled their newest superstar a news conference at Dodger Stadium's Centerfield Plaza under a light blue sky.
Ohtani, at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, cut a striking figure, decked out in a blue suit with a Dodger Blue tie, before conducting the customary putting on of his white No. 17 Dodgers jersey with Dodgers chairman and controlling officer Mark Walter and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman by his side.
Joining the three on the stage were Ippei Mizuhara, Ohtani's interpreter, and Nez Balelo, Ohtani's agent, in front of hundreds of reporters – many of whom were Japanese-language media.
“I was told it was only media today, so I was not expecting this many people,” Ohtani cracked.
Friedman's introductory speech highlighted the Dodgers' ties with Japan, especially when signing notable pitchers like Hideo Nomo, Hiroki Juroda and
Kenta Maeda, and the intention to strengthen those bonds.
“One of our goals is to have baseball fans in Japan convert to Dodger blue,” Friedman said.
Ohtani, 29, said he had made up his mind Friday night. When asked why he chose the Dodgers, Ohtani said there were many factors, but winning was chief among them.
“I do prioritize winning. That was on the top of my list and that will probably never change,” said Ohtani, who never reached the playoffs in his six seasons with the Angels.
Later, Ohtani said one of the most appealing factors when meeting with the team was that the Dodgers pointed to making the playoffs for 10 consecutive seasons but feeling like their sole World Series title in 2020 was a failure.
“When I heard that, I knew they were all about winning,” Ohtani said.
The Dodgers' 10-year contract with Ohtani, the largest in North American sports history, includes $680 million, or 97% of the money, to be deferred without interest and not fully paid until 2043.
The pact calls for the Japanese sensation to be paid $70 million annually, with $68 million deferred and payable annually 10 years thereafter, which Friedman admitted he wouldn't have had the guts to propose but was more than happy to accept.
The deferred payments were the brainchild of Ohtani, who confirmed that he wanted the Dodgers to be able to supplement their roster with enough talent to pursue titles.
Ohtani can opt out of his contract with the Dodgers if either Walter or Friedman is no longer with the team, as first reported by The Associated Press.
If Ohtani opts out, using what's known as a `Key Man' clause, before the end of the 10-year term, he would also forfeit that portion of the deferred money left in the contract. ROYALS ACQUIRE PITCHING >> The Kansas City Royals agreed with right-hander Seth Lugo on a $45 million, three-year deal to fill one of their open spots in the starting rotation, then landed reliever Chris Stratton on a $4 million deal.
Lugo can opt out after the 2025 season, one of the people said, while Stratton will get $3.5 million for this season and has a $4.5 million player option with a $500,000 buyout for 2025.