UPDATED 12/11, 8:40 p.m. ET: Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to defer a staggering $680 million of his $700 million contract, according to ESPN's Alden Gonzalez.
Ohtani will earn $2 million per year throughout the course of his 10-year deal. The deferred money will be paid out in $68 million yearly installments from 2034 to 2043.
Ohtani reportedly brought up the idea of deferrals, assuming the Dodgers could put the money toward signing additional top-tier free agents. A source tells ESPN that Ohtani earns $45 million annually through endorsements.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the two-time American League MVP is currently the 17th highest-paid player on the team.
It is unlikely that the unique structure of Ohtani's contract will face a roadblock due to the MLB's collective bargaining agreement stating there are no limitations on deferred compensation, as noted by Passan.
Just as people's minds were blown by the $700M contract news, the deferral has stirred up plenty of reactions on X as well:
See original story below.
Shohei Ohtani will be signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers for a earth-shattering amount of money, and people are talking all about it on social media.
On Saturday, sports insider Shams Charania announced that the three-time All-Star will be leaving the Los Angeles Angels and joining the rival Dodgers. According to columnist Jeff Passan, Ohtani's deal with the Dodgers is for ten years and $700 million. It's also the largest contract signed in North American sports history.
Social media was lit on fire after the news of Ohtani's signing hit the internet. Ohtani himself shared a post of the Dodgers logo and a caption where he thanked the Angels and their fans for all their support. Dodger fans also got some love as Ohtani let them know how he plans on spending his time on the team.
On the other hand, sports fans were collectively shocked, as well as Dodgers fans who were hoping the 29-year-old would join their squad.
"GRAB THOSE DRINKS CALL A LOVED ONE HUG A NEIGHBOR SHOHEI OHTANI IS A MEMBER OF THE LOS ANGELES DODGERS," one person wrote on X. Another said, "SHOHEI OHTANI IS A FUCKING DODGER."
A third person wrote, "With $700 million dollars, Shohei Ohtani could buy roughly 10,769,231 liter bottles of Hennessy #Stats."
Check out more responses to Shohei Ohtani's new $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers below.
