Shohei Ohtani’s Golden Touch: Dodgers and MLB Reap Unbelievable Rewards from $700M Superstar
When Shohei Ohtani entered Major League Baseball in 2018, few could have predicted the monumental impact he would have. While comparisons to legends such as Babe Ruth certainly made waves, Ohtani’s unique combination of pitching and hitting prowess was unprecedented in the modern era. Fast forward to 2025, and Ohtani has transcended expectations, solidifying his place not only as one of the greatest players of his generation but also as one of the most valuable assets in all of professional sports. As a $700 million superstar, Ohtani’s influence extends beyond the field, reshaping the economics of Major League Baseball (MLB) and impacting the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team fortunate enough to secure his services.
In this piece, we delve into how Ohtani’s incredible skills and unparalleled versatility have brought about transformative changes in MLB. We also explore the financial implications, including the eye-popping $700 million contract, and how his partnership with the Dodgers has propelled the team—and the sport as a whole—into new financial and competitive heights.
Ohtani’s Unrivaled Talent: A Dual Threat for the Ages
Shohei Ohtani’s most remarkable attribute is his ability to excel as both a pitcher and a hitter, a rare skill that has not been seen in the major leagues since the days of Babe Ruth. Ohtani’s dual-threat capability has made him an anomaly in modern baseball, earning him the nickname “The Japanese Babe Ruth.” His rise to stardom began in 2018 when he made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Angels, dazzling fans with his fastball that could reach the upper 90s and a bat that sent balls soaring out of the park.
As a pitcher, Ohtani’s arsenal is diverse and lethal. His 100 mph fastball is complemented by a devastating slider and splitter, making him a nightmare for opposing batters. In his first few seasons, he showed flashes of dominance on the mound, but it was in 2021 when he truly cemented his legacy. That year, Ohtani became the first player in MLB history to start as a pitcher and serve as a full-time hitter in the same season, compiling 46 home runs, 100 RBIs, and a 3.18 ERA. It was this unprecedented combination of power and pitching that raised the bar for what a two-way player could achieve.
As a hitter, Ohtani’s numbers are just as eye-popping. He has consistently been among the league leaders in home runs, RBIs, and slugging percentage. His ability to crush home runs with ease from both sides of the plate, coupled with his speed and base-running savvy, makes him a constant threat at the plate. His success in the batter’s box, combined with his ability to dominate from the mound, has made Ohtani one of the most sought-after athletes in the world.
Ohtani’s Record-Breaking Contract: The $700 Million Question
When the time came for Ohtani to sign a new contract, there was little doubt that his value would shatter previous records. In December 2024, the Los Angeles Dodgers secured Ohtani with an unprecedented $700 million deal—a contract that will keep him in Los Angeles through the 2033 season. This deal has set a new benchmark in MLB history and completely redefined the financial landscape of professional baseball.
Ohtani’s contract is groundbreaking not only because of its sheer size but also because it reflects his multifaceted value to the game. In a sport where star pitchers and hitters are often compensated separately, Ohtani’s dual-threat nature made it necessary for the Dodgers to structure a deal that compensates him for both of his roles. This contract makes Ohtani the highest-paid player in MLB history, with a salary that eclipses the previous record set by players like Mike Trout and Bryce Harper.
This unprecedented deal also reflects a shift in MLB’s business strategy. The growing popularity of Ohtani around the world has turned him into an international sensation, attracting millions of new fans, particularly in Japan. Ohtani’s value to the Dodgers goes beyond his on-field contributions—his global appeal has helped drive merchandise sales, international TV deals, and sponsorship opportunities for the team. The Dodgers have effectively secured not just one of the best players in the game but also a marketing juggernaut who has the potential to expand their brand globally in ways few players could.
For the MLB itself, Ohtani’s contract is a statement about the future of baseball and how the sport can evolve financially. The sheer magnitude of the deal represents the growing economic potential of the game, driven by both player performance and global branding. As international stars like Ohtani continue to rise, MLB’s global reach and financial model will likely continue to expand, thanks to players who transcend borders and connect with fans worldwide.
Ohtani’s Impact on the Dodgers: A New Era of Championship Contention
When Ohtani signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, it marked the beginning of a new chapter for the team. The Dodgers have long been one of the most successful franchises in MLB, with a rich history that includes multiple World Series titles and a legacy of strong player development. However, Ohtani’s arrival has elevated them to new heights, not just on the field, but off it as well.
The Dodgers’ already potent lineup, which includes stars like Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Clayton Kershaw, became even more formidable with Ohtani in the fold. As a hitter, Ohtani adds another power threat to an already stacked lineup, providing additional protection for Freeman and Betts in the order. His ability to hit for both power and average makes him a perfect fit in the middle of the Dodgers’ batting order, and his ability to produce in clutch moments makes him a key contributor during the most important games of the season.
On the mound, Ohtani’s impact is similarly profound. The Dodgers’ rotation, already bolstered by the presence of Walker Buehler, Julio Urías, and others, gained a dynamic ace who can change the course of a series with his ability to shut down opposing lineups. Ohtani’s ability to dominate on the mound while remaining a constant offensive threat has given the Dodgers a level of depth and versatility that few teams can match. Whether as a starter or in key late-game situations, Ohtani gives the Dodgers an edge that could propel them to yet another World Series title.
From a strategic perspective, Ohtani’s presence in the lineup allows Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to be more flexible with his pitching rotations and lineup decisions. His dual role as both a top-tier pitcher and one of the best hitters in the league means that Roberts can maximize his team’s potential on a nightly basis. In the postseason, where every game is magnified, Ohtani’s ability to contribute in multiple ways gives the Dodgers an unparalleled advantage.
Ohtani’s Global Impact: Growing the Game Internationally
Beyond the Dodgers, Ohtani’s impact on MLB is felt on a global scale. Born in Oshu, Japan, Ohtani is one of the most recognizable sports figures in the world. His success in Major League Baseball has created a bridge between two baseball-loving nations—Japan and the United States—and has sparked a new wave of interest in the sport across Asia.
Ohtani’s influence is evident in the increased viewership of MLB games, particularly in Japan, where he is considered a national hero. The MLB’s partnership with broadcasters in Japan and other parts of Asia has helped expand the league’s global footprint. Ohtani’s games, especially those in which he is both pitching and hitting, draw massive television audiences in Japan, and his popularity has led to increased merchandise sales both for the Dodgers and for MLB as a whole.
In addition to boosting MLB’s profile internationally, Ohtani has brought attention to the growing pool of talented baseball players coming from Japan. Over the years, Japan has consistently produced some of the best players in MLB, and Ohtani’s success has opened doors for even more Japanese players to pursue careers in the United States. His rise to superstardom has fueled a new wave of international prospects looking to make their mark in the majors, further diversifying the league and expanding its global appeal.
The Future of Ohtani and MLB: A Legacy in the Making
As Shohei Ohtani embarks on this record-breaking contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, his legacy as one of the greatest players in baseball history is already secure. The unprecedented contract, his impact on the Dodgers, and his ability to revolutionize how the sport is played and marketed are just the beginning. His influence on the global stage, particularly in Japan and other international markets, continues to grow, and his presence is helping MLB become more internationally relevant than ever before.
In terms of his future on the field, Ohtani’s versatility will remain his greatest asset. While the expectations are high, it’s clear that he has the potential to continue redefining what it means to be a two-way player in the modern era. The $700 million contract that Ohtani signed with the Dodgers is more than just a financial deal—it’s a symbol of the growing global influence of baseball and the extraordinary talent that Shohei Ohtani brings to the game.
Whether he is hitting home runs, striking out batters, or connecting with fans worldwide, Ohtani’s golden touch will continue to elevate MLB to new heights for years to come. The Dodgers and the entire sport of baseball have been forever changed by the arrival of the $700 million superstar, and his legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of players and fans alike.
