Shohei Ohtani là bản hợp đồng lớn nhất trong lịch sử MLB - Ảnh: GETTY IMAGES

Record-breaking contract

Shohei Ohtani is often likened to Babe Ruth 2.0 by experts. He has decided to leave the Los Angeles Angels to join the team in the same city – the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Ohtani will join the Dodgers with a contract worth $700 million and lasting 10 years. This is the largest contract in the history of Major League Baseball (MLB) and the largest in the history of American sports.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are a renowned baseball club in the United States. Todd Boehly, the current owner of Chelsea, is the primary operator of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Previously, the transfer record in American sports belonged to the 10-year, $503 million contract signed by football superstar Patrick Mahomes with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Compared to Ronaldo or Messi, Ohtani’s contract is significantly higher. While Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr with a 2.5-year contract worth $536 million, Lionel Messi also signed a 2.5-year contract worth $150 million with Inter Miami.

Impressive Playing Style

The Guardian describes Ohtani’s playing style as exceptional and unprecedented in the baseball world. He is a versatile athlete with a combination of batting and pitching skills, even surpassing the legendary Babe Ruth.

At the World Cup baseball tournament held in Miami (USA) at the beginning of 2023, Ohtani led the Japanese team to victory, defeating the home team 3-2. He also won the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award.

On his personal page, Shohei Ohtani expressed gratitude to Angels fans and announced his decision to join the Dodgers: “To all the fans, I apologize for taking so long to make this decision. I have decided to choose the Dodgers as my next destination.

Firstly, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Angels fans who have supported me for the past 6 years. The 6 years with the Angels will be deeply etched in my heart forever.

As for the Dodgers fans, I am sure I will do my best for the team and continue to strive to be the best version of myself. Until the last day of my career, I will never stop working hard, not only for the Dodgers but also for the baseball world in general.”