Shohei Ohtani is staying in Los Angeles however altering his uniform.
The baseball phenom introduced his free-agency resolution on Saturday, with the two-time AL MVP becoming a member of the Dodgers on a 10-year, $700 million contract, the most important in MLB historical past.
Anybody who’s had the pleasure of watching Ohtani play over the previous six seasons is aware of that is an affordable value for a participant as singularly nice as he’s.
He is the most effective hitters and pitchers within the league, and though he will not be capable of pitch till 2025 as a consequence of an elbow harm, Ohtani is sufficient of a risk on the plate to warrant the hefty price ticket.
In 2023, Ohtani had a .304 batting common and led the AL with 44 house runs regardless of enjoying in solely 135 video games. Per FanGraphs, he completed fifth in wins above alternative (WAR) as a batter and had the league’s third-highest stroll price (15.2 %).
He additionally began 23 video games as a pitcher and posted a 3.14 ERA.
Ohtani had no scarcity of All-Star-level expertise alongside him with the Angels, together with Mike Trout, however playoff success eluded him.
By signing with the crosstown Dodgers, Ohtani joins one other loaded roster, however one with a monitor document of success. They’ve gained the NL West 10 occasions up to now 11 seasons.
Together with Ohtani, Los Angeles boasts a roster that features first baseman Freddie Freeman and 2023 NL MVP runner-up Mookie Betts.
Per ESPN Guess, the Dodgers (+600) grew to become the favourite to win the 2024 World Collection with Ohtani’s addition.
Fielding a roster with the very best payroll will not assure the Dodgers a championship subsequent season. Nevertheless, including Ohtani actually does not damage. It is also a win for impartial observers who will seemingly lastly get the chance to observe Ohtani play significant October baseball.
