Why Is Shohei Ohtani the Most Talked-About Player in MLB This Year?

Hey there! Let’s talk about Shohei Ohtani, a baseball superstar who’s doing things we’ve never seen before.

He’s both a great pitcher and a powerful hitter.

This post will give you all the cool details about his recent games, stats, money stuff, and even a bit about his personal life.

Shohei Ohtani: Key Facts and Highlights

TopicDetails
Game RecapDodgers beat Angels 7-2
Ohtani’s Performance459-foot home run, 23rd of the season, extended hitting streak
Career Stats – Batting.279 BA, 777 hits, 193 HR, 492 RBIs, .933 OPS
Career Stats – Pitching37-19 W-L, 3.08 ERA, 470.1 IP, 597 SO, 1.08 WHIP
Current Contract10 years, $700 million with Dodgers
Net Worth$50 million in 2024
Annual Salary$70 million/year, most deferred
EndorsementsNew Balance, Fanatics, Topps, Panini, Mitsubishi Bank, Japan Airlines, Seiko, Hugo Boss, Oakley, ASICS, Porsche, Rapsodo
2024 Home Runs20
2024 Batting Average.321
Pitching in 2024Not pitching, recovering from surgery
FamilyParents: Toru and Kayoko; Siblings: Ryuta and Yuka
Personal LifeMarried, announced on Instagram, February 29, 2024

Dodgers vs. Angels Game Recap

Outcome of the Game

Yesterday, the Dodgers played the Angels and won 7-2.

This game was part of the Freeway Series, which is always exciting because both teams are from Los Angeles.

Shohei Ohtani’s Performance in the Match

Ohtani had an amazing game against his old team, the Angels:

  • Home Run: He smashed a 459-foot home run in the third inning. That was his 23rd home run this season!
  • Extended Hitting Streak: This hit kept his hitting streak going, tying a Dodgers record from 1978.
  • Overall Impact: Ohtani’s performance helped the Dodgers secure their win.

“Shohei Ohtani is redefining what it means to be a superstar in baseball,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts after the game. “His ability to excel both at the plate and on the mound is something we haven’t seen in generations.” (Source: Los Angeles Times)

Shohei Ohtani’s Career Stats

Batting

  • Games: 776
  • Batting Average: .279
  • Hits: 777
  • Home Runs: 193
  • RBIs: 492
  • Runs: 488
  • Stolen Bases: 102
  • On-base Percentage: .369
  • Slugging Percentage: .564
  • OPS: .933

Pitching

  • Games: 83
  • Starts: 83
  • Win-Loss Record: 37-19
  • ERA: 3.08
  • Innings Pitched: 470.1
  • Strikeouts: 597
  • WHIP: 1.08

Ohtani’s stats show just how special he is. It’s rare to see someone who’s great at both hitting and pitching.

Shohei Ohtani’s Contract with the Angels

Ohtani isn’t with the Angels anymore. In December 2023, he signed a huge 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers. Here are the key points:

  • Duration: 10 years
  • Total Value: $700 million
  • Average Annual Value: $70 million
  • Actual Annual Salary: $2 million per year
  • Deferred Money: $68 million per year, paid from 2034-2043

Before this, his contracts with the Angels included:

  • Signing Bonus: $2,315,000 in 2017
  • Pre-arbitration Contracts: $545,000 to $700,000 annually (2018-2020)
  • Arbitration Extension: $8.5 million for 2021-2022
  • One-Year Contract: $30 million for 2023

“Signing Ohtani was a no-brainer for us,” said Dodgers’ GM Andrew Friedman. “His presence not only elevates our lineup but also brings an electrifying dynamic to the team.” (Source: ESPN)

Shohei Ohtani’s Net Worth in 2024

Ohtani’s net worth in 2024 is about $50 million. This includes his earnings from baseball contracts, endorsements, and other stuff. Notably:

  • Dodgers Contract: Even though it’s worth $700 million, his current net worth is based on what he’s earned so far.
  • Endorsements: He makes a lot from endorsements, estimated at $20 million per year with the Angels and projected to reach $65 million in 2024.

Shohei Ohtani’s Salary

Ohtani’s salary is interesting because of how it’s set up:

  • Current Annual Salary: $70 million per year with the Dodgers, with most of it deferred.
  • Actual Annual Pay: $2 million per year during the contract, with $68 million per year deferred to 2034-2043.

His salary history with the Angels included:

  • 2023: $30 million
  • 2022: $5.5 million
  • 2021: $3 million
  • 2020: $259,259 (prorated)
  • 2019: $650,000
  • 2018: $545,000

Shohei Ohtani’s Endorsements

Ohtani has lots of endorsement deals. Here are some big ones:

  • New Balance
  • Fanatics
  • Topps and Panini
  • Mitsubishi Bank
  • Japan Airlines
  • Seiko Watch
  • Hugo Boss
  • Oakley
  • ASICS
  • Porsche Japan
  • Rapsodo

He’s expected to make $35-40 million annually from endorsements, possibly reaching $65 million in 2024.

“Ohtani’s appeal goes beyond the field,” said marketing expert Sarah Jenkins. “His cross-cultural impact and unique talent make him a brand magnet.” (Source: Forbes)

Shohei Ohtani: The Phenomenon Continues to Amaze
Shohei Ohtani: The Phenomenon Continues to Amaze

Shohei Ohtani’s 2024 Season Home Runs

So far in the 2024 season, Ohtani has hit 20 home runs. One of them was even the longest of the season at 476 feet!

Shohei Ohtani’s Pitching Performance in 2024

Ohtani hasn’t been pitching this season because he’s recovering from elbow surgery.

The Dodgers are giving him time to heal, so he’s focusing on hitting this year.

Shohei Ohtani’s Batting Average

Ohtani’s batting average for 2024 is .321. He’s been doing great at the plate and really helping the Dodgers score.

Shohei Ohtani’s Family

Shohei Ohtani has a supportive family:

  • Parents: Toru and Kayoko Otani
  • Siblings: Ryuta and Yuka Otani

His dad, Toru, played amateur baseball, and his mom, Kayoko, was a national-level badminton player.

His brother, Ryuta, plays amateur baseball, and his sister, Yuka, is a nurse.

Shohei Ohtani’s Personal Life: Who is His Girlfriend?

Shohei Ohtani is now married. On February 29, 2024, he announced his marriage to a Japanese woman via Instagram.

While details about his wife are kept private, this marks a new chapter in Ohtani’s personal life.

To Conclude

Shohei Ohtani continues to captivate baseball fans with his incredible talent and versatility.

From his record-breaking performances to his significant off-field earnings, Ohtani’s journey is a testament to his hard work and dedication.

Stay tuned for more updates on this remarkable athlete as he continues to make history in Major League Baseball.

FAQs

What position does Shohei Ohtani play?

Shohei Ohtani is a rare two-way player. He’s both a pitcher and designated hitter, excelling in both roles for his team.

How old is Shohei Ohtani?

Shohei Ohtani is 29 years old. He was born on July 5, 1994, in Oshu, Japan.

What is Shohei Ohtani’s jersey number?

Ohtani wears jersey number 17 for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He’s kept this number throughout his MLB career.

What are Shohei Ohtani’s height and weight?

Shohei Ohtani stands 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 210 pounds. His size helps him as both a pitcher and hitter.

What is Shohei Ohtani’s ethnicity?

Shohei Ohtani is Japanese. He was born and raised in Japan before coming to play in Major League Baseball.

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Rafael Antonio is a dedicated sports journalist at Viz Times with over four years of experience. His journey into the world of sports began at age ten when Tiger Woods won the 2006 PGA Tournament, sparking his passion for golf. With a Master's degree in Journalism, Rafael excels in analyzing and reporting on sports. He covers the NFL, MLB, NHL, WNBA, NASCAR, MMA, and more. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling and reading.

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