Shohei Ohtani: The two-time AL MVP agrees to deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers

CNN
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the Los Angeles Dodgers They won the race to reach an agreement with Shohei Ohtani, baseball’s two-way superstar, for one of the richest contracts in professional sports.

The two-time American League MVP announced on Instagram that he has “decided to pick the Dodgers” as his next team; Their historic deal is 10 years and $700 million, according to ESPN. MLB.com And other media quoted Ohtani’s agent, Nez Palilo.

The deal will see the Japanese phenom, who pitches and bats as a designated hitter, move across town from the Los Angeles Angels of the American League to the Dodgers, winners of 10 of the last 11 National League West titles.

The Dodgers declined to comment on the situation. CNN reached out to Ohtani’s representatives to confirm the terms of the agreement.

The star’s free agency has been the subject of feverish speculation in recent weeks, and his contract is said to be the most expensive in the history of North American sports. The deal was confirmed in Instagram share Saturday.

“To all the fans and everyone involved in the baseball world, I apologize for taking so long to come to a decision,” Ohtani said in his Instagram post. “I have decided to choose the Dodgers as my next team.

“First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the participants in the Angels organization and the fans who have supported me over the past six years, as well as to all the participants on every team that has been a part of this negotiation process. And especially to the Angels fans who have supported me through all the ups and downs, Your support and encouragement for your comrades meant the whole world to me, and the six years I spent with the angels will remain engraved in my heart forever.

“And to all Dodgers fans, I pledge to always do what is best for the team and to always continue to do everything in my power to be the best version of myself. Until the last day of my career as a player, I want to continue striving forward not only for the Dodgers but for the world of baseball.” .

“There are some things that cannot be conveyed in writing, so I would like to talk more about this again at a later press conference.

“Thank you very much”

Ohtani has played for the Los Angeles Angels since his first move to the MLB in 2017. Ahead of his free agency, multiple teams lined up to secure the services of the 29-year-old Japanese star, who has remained a tight end. He talked about the future of his career.

After undergoing elbow surgery, he will not play again until 2025 and will only serve as a designated hitter in 2024.

If the deal is completed, it will be one of the largest sports contracts in sports history.

“This is a unique, historic contract for a unique, historic player,” Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balilo, said. USA Today Bob Nightingale.

“He is excited to begin this partnership and has drafted his contract to reflect the real commitment from both sides to long-term success,” Balillo continued..

according to SpotracKansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has the most expensive contract in the NFL, worth $450 million over 10 years.

In the NBA, Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics), Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets), and Bradley Beal (Phoenix Suns) each have five-year contracts worth more than $250 million each. Spotrac.

Lionel Messi a contract Jorge Mas, part-owner of the American team Inter Miami, stated that Inter Miami’s fortune ranges between $50 and $60 million annually. El Pais Earlier this year, while the Argentine star With a contract worth $672 million Between 2017 and 2021 while playing for Barcelona.

Messi’s long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, is said to be in attendance Contract for two and a half years The media estimated his value at more than 200 million euros ($220.16 million) at the Saudi club Al-Nassr.

CNN’s Zoe Sottile contributed to this report.