Eric Espada/Getty Images
Ohtani starred for Japan in the World Baseball Classic earlier this year.
CNN
—
The Los Angeles Dodgers They have won the race to land one of the richest contracts in professional sports with baseball’s two-way star Shohei Ohtani.
The two-time American League MVP announced on Instagram that he had “decided to choose the Dodgers” as his next team; According to ESPN, their historic deal is for 10 years and $700 million. MLB.com And other media outlets cite Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo.
The deal will see the Japanese phenomenon pitch and bat for the American League’s Los Angeles Angels to the Dodgers, winners of 10 of the last 11 division titles in the National League West.
The Dodgers declined to comment on the situation. CNN has reached out to Ohtani’s representatives to confirm the terms of the deal.
The star’s free agency has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks, and his contract is said to be the most expensive in North American sports history. He confirmed the deal Instagram post Saturday.
Ohtani wrote in his Instagram post, “To all the fans and everyone involved in the world of baseball, I apologize for taking so long to come to a conclusion. I have decided to pick the Dodgers as my next team.
“First, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved in the Angels organization and the fans who have supported me over the past six years, and everyone involved with every team that has been a part of this negotiation process. Especially to the Angels fans who have supported me through all the ups and downs, your guys’ support and enthusiasm meant the world to me. The six years I spent with the Angels will remain in my heart forever.
“And to all Dodgers fans, I promise that I will always do what’s best for the team and continue to give it my all to be the best version of myself. Until the last day of my playing career, I want to continue to improve not only for the Dodgers, but for the world of baseball.”
“Some things cannot be conveyed in writing, so I would like to talk about this again in a press conference.
“thank you very much”
Ohtani has been playing for the Los Angeles Angels since his first move to the MLB in 2017. Ahead of his free agency, several teams are lining up to secure the services of the 29-year-old Japanese star, who has remained tight-lipped about the future of his career.
After elbow surgery, he won’t pitch again until 2025 and will serve as a designated hitter in 2024.
If the deal goes through, it would be one of the largest player contracts in sports history.
“This is a unique, historic contract for a unique, historic player,” Ohtani’s agent Nez Balelo said. USA TODAY’S BOB NIGHTENGALE.
“He is excited to begin this partnership and has structured his agreement to reflect a true commitment from both parties to long-term success,” continued Paleo..
Steph Chambers/Getty Images
Ohtani will start against the Seattle Mariners in April.
According to SpotterKansas 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) all have five-year contracts worth more than $250 million. Spotter.
Lionel Messi’s Agreement MLS team Inter Miami is worth between $50 and $60 million a year, part-owner Jorge Mas told the Spanish publication. Country Earlier this year, when the Argentine star was In a $672 million deal While playing for Barcelona between 2017 and 2021.
Messi’s long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo has stepped up A two-and-a-half-year contract Media estimates that he is worth 200 million euros ($220.16 million) at Saudi Arabian club Al Nasr.
CNN’s Zoe Sottile contributed to this report.
