Ohtani's Historic $700M Contract Pays Off as Dodgers Soar to World Series Success
October 19, 2025
Ohtani's contract includes an annual salary of $2 million from 2024 to 2033, with the remaining $68 million per year deferred until 2034, totaling $680 million in deferred payments.
In the 2025 season, Ohtani has posted impressive stats, including a .282 batting average, 55 home runs, 102 RBIs, and a 2.45 ERA with 210 strikeouts, showcasing his dual talent as a hitter and pitcher.
Ohtani's unique ability as both a pitcher and hitter provides long-term value and payroll flexibility for the Dodgers, reflecting his exceptional talent.
Within 22 months, Ohtani's first season with the Dodgers generated enough revenue from ticket sales, merchandise, and marketing to recoup the entire $700 million investment, according to MLB insider Joon Lee.
Ohtani's signing led to a 25-fold increase in daily web searches for the Dodgers and set sales records for his jersey, significantly boosting the team's brand, especially in Japan.
During the NLCS Game 4, Ohtani became the first MLB pitcher to hit a leadoff home run in a postseason game, also hitting three home runs and striking out 10 batters over six scoreless innings, earning NLCS MVP honors.
Despite a combined payroll and tax of $549 million for 2025, the Dodgers reported a league-high revenue of $752 million last year, surpassing other MLB teams.
Following his NLCS performance, Ohtani expressed gratitude to teammates and fans, emphasizing team effort and his dedication to continuous improvement.
Physically, Ohtani stands 6 feet 3 inches tall, weighs 210 pounds, bats left-handed, and throws right-handed, contributing to his athletic performance.
The Dodgers have strategically expanded their brand in Japan through investments and signings of Japanese stars, building on their historical presence with players like Hideo Nomo.
Shohei Ohtani's arrival has immediately boosted the Dodgers' on-field success, helping them win a World Series in his first year and reach a second consecutive Fall Classic, with his versatility being a key factor in their championship pursuits.
In December 2023, Ohtani signed a historic 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers, the largest in MLB history, structured with significant deferrals to manage the franchise's payroll.
Summary based on 2 sources
Get a daily email with more MLB stories
Sources

Bleacher Report • Oct 18, 2025
Dodgers Reportedly Earned 'Entirety' of Shohei Ohtani's $700M Contract in 1st Season
sportsjone • Oct 18, 2025
Shohei Ohtani: Contract guaranteed money| Interview| Height and Weight