Shohei Ohtani has etched his name in sports history by inking the most substantial contract ever seen in US sports, a colossal deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers that surpasses the previous MLB record by an astounding £239 million. 

Following the conclusion of his contract with the Los Angeles Angels in 2023, Ohtani, widely regarded as the most valuable player in MLB, entered free agency. Despite interest from the Toronto Blue Jays, Ohtani opted to remain in Los Angeles, finalizing a groundbreaking 10-year, £558 million contract.

 This monumental deal not only stands as the largest in MLB history but also represents the most significant guaranteed contract in the broader spectrum of sports, outshining the contracts of iconic football figures Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Ronaldo’s deal with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia amounted to £427.5 million, while Messi’s four-year contract with Barcelona from 2017 to 2021 reached £537 million.

Ohtani’s contract boasts an average annual value of $70 million (£55 million), surpassing the projected payrolls of four entire MLB teams for the upcoming season and exceeding the valuations of six NHL franchises. Notably, Ohtani’s contract incorporates substantial deferrals, a concept proposed by the player himself. 

The purpose of these deferred payments is to mitigate the impact of the competitive-balance tax, allowing the Dodgers the flexibility to assemble a stronger team around Ohtani and enhance their chances of clinching the World Series. This strategic move by Ohtani ensures a win-win scenario, with financial gains for the player and heightened prospects for the Dodgers in their pursuit of baseball’s pinnacle. 

Currently, the Dodgers share the position of favorites with the Atlanta Braves to win the 2024 World Series, both teams carrying odds of 13/2 on Betway. The Blue Jays, on the other hand, faced a setback in their pursuit of Ohtani, as the £700 million offer proved prohibitive. 

Ohtani’s decision dealt a substantial blow to the Los Angeles Angels, losing the MLB’s most valuable player to free agency. This departure leaves fellow All-Star Mike Trout without a star teammate and raises speculation about the Angels’ potential shift towards a rebuilding phase, reflected in their 2024 World Series odds of 66/1.