It’s raining money on Shohei Ohtani. As though his record-breaking $700 million deal with the Dodgers was not enough, it is now projected that he is set to become the highest-earning MLB player. How? From endorsements. All credit to his huge fan following outside the US, and his two-way playing abilities, Ohtani offers a unique proposition for the brands – unlike other players. There are a total of 20 companies in contract with him. With them, he is set to cross the highest endorsement earning previously held by Derek Jeter by a huge margin. So, what is the reason behind his global stardom of Ohtani? 

Shohei Ohtani’s global stardom is a result of his exceptional two-way baseball skill, his endearing demeanor, and his status as a global success story and symbol of Japanese pride. While more Japanese players got famous in the MLB, what Ohtani has achieved is second to none. Ohtani is a unique talent who excels as a batter and pitcher, earning him comparisons to Babe Ruth and making him a household name. For reference, his popularity can be gauged by his electrifying two-run blast that electrified a packed Tokyo Dome in the last two days.

With this growing stardom, his endorsement deal is also skyrocketing. Recently, he was featured with Lionel Messi and LeBron James in the Beats Audio promotion. Now the Nikkansports reports citing Sportico that Ohtani is set to earn $100 million this year entering the coveted $100 club with Tiger Woods and Roger Federer. Ohtani is the third-only sportsperson in the world to achieve the feat. While Juan Soto will earn more than Ohtani as per the annual salary ($46.9 million to $2 million), it is Ohtani who makes the highest adding up his $100 million endorsement fees. 

Shohei Ohtani is the face who can run the place 

Shohei Ohtani is a global face, the MLB was long waiting for. While there were several superstars came out of the MLB circuit, Ohtani led in terms of global recognition. Thus, what can be better for the MLB than leveraging Ohtani to globalize the game? Due to its lack of worldwide league parity, baseball is still not seen as a truly global sport like soccer. It is still limited to a few countries like Japan and the Dominican Republic outside of the US. Baseball has found it difficult to match the international competitions and stars that sports like basketball and soccer have successfully created, drawing in talent and supporters from around the world. 

The MLB management should highlight Shohei Ohtani’s exceptional two-way skill. They should field him as a global ambassador to capitalize on his popularity on a global scale. This can help in attracting new fans and awareness of the sport globally. Because of his broad appeal outside of baseball, Ohtani is a great contender to represent the game internationally. Majorly in Asian countries, Ohtani can be the biggest bet for the MLB to expand its market. Additionally, MLB may use his influence to motivate the upcoming generation of players from diverse regions.

A huge potential is awaiting for the MLB to get from the rising stardom of Shohei Ohtani. The third highest-earning athlete in the world from endorsements deserves a global sport. 

Do you think Ohtani can be effective in expanding baseball globally? Share your views with us below.