Despite Initial Rejection, Shohei Ohtani Unveils the Deciding Factor Behind Dodgers’ $700M Deal – “I Have Turned Them Down in The Past..”

The Los Angeles Dodgers caused a massive outbreak of emotions in their fanbase by signing Shohei Ohtani for a record deal of $700 million last week. A unique contract for its deferral structure, the money was only a part of what attracted the Japanese star to the Boys in Blue. In the wake of the celebrations regarding the historic deal, Shotime decided to open up about his pre-existing history with the team.

The two-way marvel had turned down the LA Dodgers’ previous efforts to clinch him in 2017. In a recent post that surfaced on social media, the unicorn looked quite happy about his current choice, as his interpreter revealed one of his primary reasons for finally deciding to sign with the team. What exactly did he say?

Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers – two bodies, one mind

In a Twitter (X) video posted by Dodgers Nation, Shohei Ohtani was seen talking about his past connection with the Blue Crew alongside Ippei Mizuhara. He said, “I have turned them down in the past one time, but even though that happened, they still came back strong.” That is not the only reason why he became a Dodgers member, though.

For Ohtani, the team’s consistent faith in him played a big part in his ultimate free agency decision. And that’s just the half of it. According to Fox Sports, Shotime chose to side with the Dodgers because of their affinity for winning massive championships. It makes sense after he spent a dry, Saharan career in the Angels’ dugout.

“Obviously, I want to win championships, and I want, when people look back at the championships I won, I want people to know or think that I was a core member, and I was a big deal, or I was a big part of that championship winning team,” Shohei Ohtani revealed.

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The LA team’s well-set belief in having a disappointing decade despite making it to the playoffs each year made Ohtani realize how serious they are about victory. Champions know what champions do, don’t they? The team’s President of Baseball Operations couldn’t agree more.

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Andrew Friedman revealed that the team has always taken a path of sincerity while pursuing the player, knowing that will appeal to him the most. Friedman said that the approach was predisposed after a discussion that went on between the team’s scouting group and coaching staff.

Now, only time will tell how the generous attitude between the slugger and the team works out in their games.