After Juan Soto’s massive deal with the Mets, Shohei Ohtani’s contract appears surprisingly affordable
DALLAS: So, here’s the scoop. When the news hit about Shohei Ohtani’s contract, it was jaw-dropping. A 10-year deal worth $700 million? That’s a lot of dough!
But wait, it gets a bit tricky. Most of that cash, around $680 million, is deferred. Ohtani will only see $2 million a year while he plays. The big bucks come later, from 2034 to 2043. So, the real value of his deal is more like $460 million when you factor in inflation.
Now, with Juan Soto’s recent 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets, Ohtani’s deal looks like a bargain. Soto’s contract is straightforward, no deferred payments, and a hefty signing bonus. It’s a wild number, especially after a fierce bidding war between the Mets and Yankees.
Ohtani didn’t play that game during his free agency. He wanted to stay on the West Coast, so the Yankees and Mets weren’t really in the mix. His popularity is huge, though, and the Dodgers are raking in cash thanks to him.
Ohtani’s first year with the Dodgers was a dream come true—winning MVP and a World Series. That kind of success boosts his financial impact. Soto is great, but he doesn’t have the same global appeal as Ohtani.
In the end, while Cohen might not care about the revenue, it’s a solid reminder that Ohtani’s deal, which seemed outrageous at first, is looking pretty good now.