Shohei Ohtani’s Historic Greatness Overshadowed by Contract Quirk Leaving Him with Benchwarmer Pay

In a dramatic late-night clash, Freddie Freeman delivered a walk-off home run in the 18th inning, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 2-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 3 of the World Series. The game showcased impressive performances, particularly from Dodgers’ star Shohei Ohtani, who made history with an extraordinary display that raised questions about his salary in comparison to his talent.

Historic Performance by Shohei Ohtani

Last night’s marathon game, which began at 8:00 PM EST and concluded around 2:40 AM, highlighted the unmatched skills of Shohei Ohtani. The two-way superstar achieved an outstanding 5-for-5 at the plate, contributing four hits, two home runs, three runs scored, three RBIs, and five walks—four of which were intentional, matching an MLB record set by Barry Bonds in 1998. Notably, Ohtani reached base nine times, breaking Kenny Lofton’s previous record of six in a World Series game. The last player to achieve nine on-base appearances in a regular-season game was Stan Hack in a historic 18-inning match in 1942.

Shohei Ohtani’s Unconventional Salary Structure

Despite being celebrated as one of the greatest players in baseball history, Ohtani’s financial compensation during the World Series is surprisingly low. With a current salary of $2 million per season, he ranks 29th among the 52 active players from both teams. In stark contrast, Eric Lauer, who has experienced a tumultuous path to this point, earns $200,000 more than Ohtani. Lauer’s career has seen ups and downs, including stints with several teams and a successful season in South Korea.

While Ohtani’s impressive contract, signed in December 2023, totals $700 million over ten years—the highest in sports history at that time—97% of this value is deferred, meaning he receives a mere $2 million annually during the contract years. The bulk of his earnings will be disbursed post-retirement, extending the payments until 2043, when he will be 49 years old. Nevertheless, he supplements his income significantly with endorsements, raking in around $50 million each year.

As the World Series unfolds, Ohtani remains a focal point not only for his on-field prowess but also for the financial dynamics of professional baseball that sometimes fail to align with performance and fame.