There have been some huge contracts signed in MLB this offseason, and so they would possibly merely simply be the opening act for what comes subsequent winter when Shohei Ohtani probably hits the open market.
Baseball insider Jon Heyman spoke to several agents this week to attempt to gauge what Ohtani’s subsequent deal would possibly appear like, and there’s a perception that he’s poised to grow to be the primary $500 million participant in MLB historical past.
It’s not laborious to know why his contract worth may very well be so excessive.
He isn’t solely probably the most distinctive and dominant participant in baseball right this moment, however he’s additionally probably the most distinctive and dominant gamers we’ve ever seen as he’s primarily two top-tier gamers in a single uniform.
He is among the league’s greatest beginning pitchers, ending fourth within the Cy Younger voting this season, and can be probably the greatest energy hitters within the league. There’s no person like him, and if he goes to the open promote it might create a free company pursuit the likes of which we’ve by no means seen. Not solely due to what he can imply for a contender on the sector but in addition when it comes to advertising and ticket gross sales.
Any huge market, huge cash crew within the league would determine to be on the prime of the checklist of potential suitors, from the Dodgers to the Chicago Cubs, to both of the New York groups. Mets proprietor Steve Cohen has already proven a willingness to lay our a fortune on amassing prime free brokers, so there may be little purpose to imagine he wouldn’t do it once more subsequent winter.
As Heyman notes, although, when Ohtani first came to visit to the US he didn’t wish to signal with larger market groups. Which may have modified over the previous few years, nevertheless, as Ohtani has recognized nothing however shedding with the Angels. He even remarked after this season how he had a negative impression of the year despite his individual success.
Together with a fourth-place Cy Younger end, he additionally completed second within the American League MVP voting (to New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Choose) after successful the award a yr in the past.
Ohtani is taking part in the 2023 season on a $30 million contract, which is the largest contract ever for an arbitration-eligible player. He shall be a free agent after this season.
