Shohei Ohtani Introduced by Dodgers after Record Contract Signing
Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese two-way star, was introduced by the Los Angeles Dodgers after signing a record $700 million, 10-year contract. Ohtani addressed questions about his recent surgery and his excitement to join the team.
Ohtani Avoids Surgery Talk in Dodgers Introduction
During his first news conference with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani dodged questions about whether he had a second Tommy John surgery. Ohtani explained that he never disclosed the type of procedure that would be done when the announcement was made. The surgery in question was different from his first Tommy John surgery in 2018.
While Ohtani refused to discuss other teams he negotiated with during free agency, he expressed his eagerness to join the Dodgers and get started with the team.
Additionally, Ohtani revealed the name of his dog, which was seen on his lap during his announcement of winning his second MVP award. The dog is named 'Decoy' in English and 'Dekopin' or 'Decopin' in Japanese, depending on the transliteration.
Dodgers' Ownership Emphasizes the Desire to Win
During the news conference, Ohtani mentioned that the Dodgers' ownership group made it clear that their ultimate goal was to win. Despite making the playoffs consistently in the past 10 years, the team considered it a failure to have only won one World Series. Ohtani resonated with this mindset and expressed his own dedication to winning.
Ohtani acknowledged the Dodgers' past efforts to sign him out of high school before he joined the Nippon Ham Fighters. The team's front office praised Ohtani's talent and expressed a hope to attract more Japanese fans to support the Dodgers.
With his unique ability as both a hitter and pitcher, Ohtani is ready to embark on this new chapter with the Dodgers, leaving behind his six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels.
Unique Contract Structure and Opt-out Clause
Ohtani's contract with the Dodgers includes a unique structure that features annual salaries of $70 million. However, $68 million of each year's salary will be deferred with no interest, to be paid in equal installments each July from 2034 to 2043. This deferred money helps the Dodgers manage their luxury tax payroll.
Furthermore, Ohtani has the option to opt out of the contract if either the team's controlling owner, Mark Walter, or the president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, are no longer with the organization. Ohtani explained that he wanted a safety net in case there were significant changes in the team's leadership.
Friedman, on the other hand, downplayed his role in Ohtani's decision, stating that it was ultimately a non-factor for him.
