Shohei Ohtani has signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, making it the largest deal in MLB history. The Japanese superstar had a phenomenal season with the Los Angeles Angels, hitting .304 with 44 home runs and 95 RBIs, as well as boasting a 3.14 ERA with 167 strikeouts in 132 innings pitched. This impressive performance earned him his second unanimous AL MVP trophy. Ohtani’s free agency also drew interest from other teams, but he ultimately decided to join the Dodgers.
The 29-year-old will be joining a star-studded Dodgers lineup featuring Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy, and Will Smith. However, Ohtani isn’t expected to join the Dodgers’ rotation until 2025 due to undergoing surgery on his right throwing elbow. As the Dodgers prepare for the 2024 season, they are aiming to improve on their early playoff exit in 2023.
Ohtani’s departure from the Angels comes after six playoff-less seasons, leaving the team with only a compensatory draft pick as the reward for their decision not to trade him at the last deadline. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are setting high expectations for the upcoming season as they welcome Ohtani into the lineup.
The Dodgers will begin the 2024 season in Seoul, South Korea, with a two-game series against the San Diego Padres. They will then return to Dodger Stadium for their home opener against the St. Louis Cardinals on March 28. This highly anticipated season opener will mark the beginning of a new era for Ohtani and the Dodgers.
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