Shohei Ohtani’s blockbuster 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers contains even crazier deferrals than previously realized.
Ohtani will receive just $2 million per year during his decade-long contract, with $68 million each season getting deferred to be paid out between 2034 to 2043, The Post’s Jon Heyman confirmed.
For purposes of the competitive balance tax, Ohtani’s deal will be valued at $46 million per year.
The Athletic first reported the Ohtani contract details and said Ohtani makes around $50 million a year away from the field.
Ohtani was said to have proposed the structure of the deal himself, as it will heavily aid the Dodgers in supplying talent around the former Angel.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan noted that MLB has no provisions limiting the amount of deferrals, so the Ohtani deal should be able to pass regulatory muster.
Until he suffered an elbow injury this year, Ohtani was the best combination of hitter and pitcher in Major League Baseball since at least Babe Ruth.
Shohei Ohtani is deferring $68 million of his $70 million salary annually. Getty ImagesHe is expected to be available as a hitter next season, and hopes to return to the mound in 2025.
“The ultimate plan after deliberation with Shohei, was to repair the issue at hand and to reinforce the healthy ligament in place while adding viable tissue for the longevity of the elbow,” his surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache said in a statement at the time.
“I expect full recovery and he’ll be ready to hit without any restrictions come opening day of 2024 and do both [hit and pitch] come 2025.”
Shohei Ohtani agreed to a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers. Getty ImagesOhtani previously underwent Tommy John surgery in 2018.
At the plate last season, Ohtani hit .304 with 44 home runs, 95 RBIs and a 1.066 OPS in 497 at-bats.
He joins Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman in a profoundly scary batting lineup.
