MLB
Why will Shohei Ohtani be one of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lowest paid players in 2024?
The Japanese pitcher signed a multimillion dollar contract with the Dodgers but will have to wait to see the vast majority of his salary.
Shohei Ohtani’s new adventure with the Los Angeles Dodgers begins on Wednesday (20 March). The Japanese star is set to debut with his new team when they play against the San Diego Padres in South Korea.
What contract did Ohtani sign with the Dodgers?
The MVP in Major League Baseball’s American League in two of the last three years, “Shotime” agreed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in December, which is the most lucrative deal in professional sports history.
But despite that, Ohtani will be one of the lowest paid players on the team for the 2024 season.
How much will Ohtani earn in 2024? Why is it so little?
The pitcher-cum-designated hitter will “only” earn $2 million per year between 2024 and 2033, as he himself suggested that he receive the remainder of his salary once his deal with the Dodgers comes to an end. It is believed he deferred the money so that the team could improve its roster.
That makes the 29-year-old the 17th highest-paid player on the Dodgers roster. According to Sportrac, a website which specialises in player contracts, top earner Mookie Betts will make a whopping $28 million more than his new teammate over the next 12 months.
In addition to nine prearb players, Gavin Lux, Blake Treinen, Alex Vesia, J.P. Feyereisen are the only other members of the dodgers roster who will make less then Ohtani in 2024.