How Many Records Could Shohei Ohtani Break Upon Signing His Historic Contract?

Shohei Ohtani has marked his place in the history of baseball. One of only 2 top-level two-way players, he stands alongside the legendary Babe Ruth. The superstar free agent has created unforgettable moments and amazed experts, fellow stars and fans alike. With this, the baseball unicorn is set to break multiple records.

As free agency commenced this year, 30 teams have had the chance to acquire this one-of-a-kind unicorn. In the process, Ohtani himself will create history, set to break several records on the way to an unforgettable contract. 

Shohei Ohtani is set to break records! 

Top MLB insiders have made claims of a $500 million or possibly $600 million contract for Shohei Ohtani. New York Post’s Jon Heyman himself predicted a 10-year, $600 million pact for the two-way phenom, saying, “The elbow injury that will limit him to hitting in ‘24 won’t prevent a record deal”. Furthermore, MLB insider Jeff Passan has also predicted a contract of at least $500 million. But with this contract, Ohtani may very well be set to break numerous records on the way. The first record he will break is the highest contract in MLB history. 

Ohtani’s former Angels teammate Mike Trout currently holds that distinction with his $426.5 million pact, but not for long. Secondly, if the Japanese two-way star manages to sign a 12-year deal, he will break the record for the longest contract signed by a player 29 years or older. According to Sporting News, the current record holders are Manny Machado, Trea Turner and Xander Bogaerts, all of whom have signed 11-year deals. 

Last but definitely not least, Ohtani would likely break the record for the highest AAV in MLB history. Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer share the record with annual earnings of $43.3 million. But any $500 million or $600 million deal that Ohtani signs will probably surpass that. If Shotime signs a contract for $500 million or more with a length of 11 years or fewer, he will break that record as well. 

An Uncharacteristic free agency

Despite Shohei Ohtani being one of MLB’s biggest stars, he has had an exceptionally quiet free agency. But this is something that the Japanese phenom chose on purpose. He wanted to have time and space while making his all-important decision in total privacy. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was the first to break Ohtani’s privacy rules during the Winter Meetings. This seemingly put the Los Angeles-based team’s chances at risk, but they remain in the sweepstakes with the Toronto Blue Jays being another favorite. 

Read More: Blue Jays GM Reveals Tactics to Lure Shohei Ohtani, as Toronto-Based Team Aims for Top Free Agents

Shohei Ohtani will definitely break records during his free agency. But the question remains, which MLB team will have the privilege of signing the two-way phenom?

Watch This Story: Shohei Ohtani’s Two-Way Dream: Before Injury, He Always Wanted Both!