It’s the season of Shohei Ohtani. The Japanese sensation has surpassed all expectations of what it means to be a baseball player in the modern era. After six fantastic years in Major League Baseball, the two-way slugger is poised to become the biggest free agent in history. Most analysts predict that it will be a massive paycheck, at least half a billion dollars. Which teams are getting ready to make an offer?
If they could have it their way, each club would join the long list of suitors that Shotime is guaranteed to have. Not only is the slugger a machine at the plate, he’s sensational on the mound. With an AL-leading 44 home runs and 95 RBI, Ohtani also had a 3.14 ERA. As predictions about his future gain more steam, adverts featuring the Los Angeles Angels player are popping up everywhere.
Shohei Ohtani Collaborations Make Huge Splash
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The most famous player in baseball is also the most obvious choice of brands looking for endorsers. When Shohei Ohtani flew over from the Land of the Rising Sun, looking to make his MLB baseball dreams come true, he was technically underage. Not eligible for a salary that his two-way talents truly deserved, a majority of his earnings have come from brand collaborations. At 29 years old, Shotime will now likely pad his bank account with perhaps the biggest contract in American sports history.
The Shohei Ohtani New Balance adverts is everywhere pic.twitter.com/xKFRoxJghK
— 大谷翔平 ¹⁷ 🦄 Ohtani Shohei ¹⁷ (@shoheisaveus) October 17, 2023
Out of Ohtani’s many popular advertisements, two are taking center stage yet again. In 2021, the slugger signed a multi-million dollar deal with Boston-based New Balance. It prompted speculation about whether his next destination would be the Red Sox, although those rumors are likely unfounded.
It’s still unclear where Ohtani will land next and the player himself has been less than forthcoming about his intentions. The Angels have failed to realize his true potential in six years with the team, so baseball gods forbid he stays there. In his quest to become the best player, the yakyū shōnen needs to seek out a team that will aid a playoff run rather than always finishing out the season in September.
Shotime x BOSS = Masterpiece
Ahead of the 2023 season, Forbes reported that the Japanese wonder would earn an MLB record $65 million in earnings. While his baseball earnings accounted for $30 million, the rest came in endorsements. One huge brand on Ohtani’s list is BOSS (formerly Hugo Boss).
Shohei Ohtani x BOSS pic.twitter.com/MzBUwlQAel
— 大谷翔平 ¹⁷ 🦄 Ohtani Shohei ¹⁷ (@shoheisaveus) October 17, 2023
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The slugger represents the fashion brand as an ambassador and has loved wearing their simplistic style. “I’ve been wearing BOSS and have been a fan of the brand for years, and have always admired its smart designs, simplicity, and functionality,” reads his statement on the official website.
READ MORE – Baseball’s Wonder Shohei Ohtani and 19-Year-Old Tennis Sensation Coco Gauff – A Matchup in the Making?
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Wherever the unicorn lands next, it will be among the most followed free agencies in not just baseball, but perhaps all of sports.
WATCH THIS STORY – Shohei Ohtani’s Los Angeles Future Uncertain Amid Historic Free Agency Speculation