Decoys, deferrals and a pitch from Kobe Bryant: How Shohei Ohtani became a $700 million Dodger

The Dodgers' Pursuit of Ohtani

For more than a decade, the Los Angeles Dodgers have pursued Shohei Ohtani, a highly talented player from Japan. They made multiple attempts to sign him in the past but were unsuccessful. However, this time, the Dodgers had a compelling case to offer.

With the addition of the designated hitter in the National League, the Dodgers were able to meet Ohtani's requirement to be both a hitter and a pitcher. Additionally, they highlighted their success as a team, their strong farm system, and the presence of Kobe Bryant, who filmed a video endorsing Ohtani's signing with the Dodgers back in 2017.

The video resonated with Ohtani, who admired Bryant's commitment and competitiveness. It became a highlight of the Dodgers' presentation and reinforced the idea that Los Angeles was the best place for Ohtani to win championships.

The Contract Proposal

The Dodgers' pursuit of Ohtani was not limited by financial constraints. Andrew Friedman, the president of baseball operations, was willing to offer Ohtani the largest contract in baseball history. The Dodgers saw Ohtani as more than just a player; he was an icon and a brand who could help expand the team's reach in Japan.

To entice Ohtani, the Dodgers proposed different contract structures, including deferred money, similar to deals given to Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. Ultimately, Ohtani and his agent proposed a unique contract structure: 10 years, $700 million with $680 million deferred, interest-free. This structure allowed the Dodgers to have payroll flexibility and ultimately led to Ohtani's decision to join the team.

The Decision and its Impact

After weighing his options and meeting with multiple teams, Ohtani decided to join the Los Angeles Dodgers. Winning championships was a significant factor in his decision, and he believed that the Dodgers provided him with the best opportunity to achieve that goal.

The Dodgers' pursuit of Ohtani paid off both on and off the field. Shortly after Ohtani's signing, the team finalized a trade for Tyler Glasnow, strengthening their starting rotation. Ohtani's presence also attracted other players, such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a highly sought-after free agent. The Dodgers hope that Ohtani's signing will not only lead to on-field success but also help grow the team's fanbase in Japan.

Ultimately, the Dodgers' persistence and their willingness to think outside the box allowed them to secure the signing of Shohei Ohtani, a player who has the potential to be one of the greatest in baseball history.