It’s finally happening! Two-way MVP Shohei Ohtani is on the move, signing a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This Ohtani signing now brings the Dodgers significant championship aspiration. While Shohei will not be on the mound during the 2024 campaign, he’ll still bring a huge threat when he’s at the plate. He was unbelievable last season, even with the Angels not making the playoffs. Ohtani showed he was the best player on the team by far, and that he deserves this humongous deal. The Dodgers now enter a new era, with the chance to win multiple championships now that Ohtani is on board.
Shohei Ohtani’s deal with the Dodgers is for 10 years and $700 million.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 9, 2023
Shohei Ohtani Signs with Dodgers
Ohtani broke the news himself, announcing his move across town on his personal Instagram page.
Shohei Ohtani 2023 Stats
In 497 at-bats, Ohtani ripped 151 hits, while smashing 44 home runs. He had 95 runs batted in with 20 stolen bases, posting a batting average of .304. The ex-Angel’s best showing at the plate came on June 12th in a 9-6 win over the Texas Rangers. Ohtani went 2-for-4 with two home runs and four runs batted in. Ohtani had 23 starts on the mound in 2023. The two-way MVP went 10-5, posting a 3.14 ERA through 132 innings pitched. He struck out 167 batters before going on the disabled list with a torn UCL. Shohei Ohtani led the American League in home runs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and on-base plus slugging percentage.
Ohtani’s Past Accolades Ready Him for the Future
During his six years with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani was an All-Star three times. After hitting 22 home runs with 65 runs batted in, he won the 2018 AL Rookie of the Year award. During the 2021 and 2023 seasons, he earned the Silver Slugger Award. He was the only Angel nominated this year. Ohtani won the AL MVP award for the first time in 2021 after hitting 46 home runs and driving in 100 runs. It was recently announced that he was awarded his second MVP trophy after his stellar performance in 2023. It will be intriguing to see how Shohei Ohtani endures his new teammates and the fans, and if they have the capabilities to push for a championship in 2024.
Photo Credit: © Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
