By Ricardo Lopez Juarez
09 Dec 2023, 15:36 PM EST
The suspense and crazy speculation are over: Shohei Ohtani has chosen the Los Angeles Dodgers to sign as a free agent and has agreed to a 10-year contract for the historic figure of $700 million dollars.
A day after there was much speculation that Shohei Ohtani had opted for the Toronto Blue Jays, the Japanese superstar decided to stay in Southern California, move about 25 miles northwest via Freeway 5 and will join a lineup that includes other “MVPs” such as Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.
Ohtani announced his shocking decision via social media, first apologizing for taking so long to decide, in a gesture typical of the humble Asian bomber, and then thanking the Angels and their fans, saying that the six years he spent on that team will remain forever. in his heart.
“To all Dodger fans, I promise to always do what is best for the team and always continue giving everything to be the best version of myself.“Wrote Ohtani, who a few weeks ago won his second American League Most Valuable Player award with the Angels.
“Until the last day of my playing career, I want to keep moving forward, not just for the Dodgers, but for the world of baseball.”
Ohtani hit .304, with 44 home runs and 95 RBIs last season, while posting a starting pitching record of 10-5, 3.14 earned runs and 167 strikeouts in 132 innings pitched.
The year 2023 was the year in which Shohei decisively became the best baseball player on the planet, beginning with his titanic performance in the World Baseball Classic. with the Japan team, which he led to the championship. Ohtani signed that tournament by striking out Mike Trout, his Angels teammate, for the out of the title in Miami. Now Trout is left alone as the only superstar in Anaheim.
When the deadline for player trades was approaching in the Major Leagues this past summer, the Angels decided not to transfer Ohtani – whose contract was ending – because the team was at that time with a chance of making the playoffs.
By keeping him in the club at the risk of losing him months later via free agency without receiving anything in return, the Angels demonstrated loyalty. In the end they are left empty-handed in a devastating bet for them.
News in development.