Shohei Ohtani’s Endorsements: How the Two-Way Phenom Landed Some of the Biggest Brand Deals Among MLB Players

On the 17th of each month, Oshu City in Japan celebrates “Ohtani Day” as everyone in the town wears the two-way wonder’s Los Angeles Angels’ #17 jersey. Born in Oshu, Japan, Shohei Ohtani stands as the pride of the country globally, ever since his entry into the LA Angels set up in 2018. Dubbed Japan’s Babe Ruth, in little to no time, Ohtani became the face of North America’s Major League Baseball, despite his Japanese nationality and communication barrier.

In 2021, despite the Angels’ consistent disappointment in the regular season, Shohei Ohtani decided to sign a two-year contract worth $8.5 million. Through 2021 and 2022, Shotime peaked. He bagged the American League MVP award in 2021, before running up for it in 2022. As a result of his two-way ability, the Angels upped his offer for 2023 and signed a $30 million single-season contract with Ohtani. However, before the 2023 contract, the two-time All-Star was far below the list of the highest MLB contracts, despite his evident dominance in the park.

But then, how did Ohtani reach a $15 million net worth? The answer is through multiple endorsements after the newly crowned WBC champion became the face of global baseball.

Shohei Ohtani has tripled his earnings by doing endorsements

In 2021, before Ohtani adequately announced his MLB arrival, the pitcher, slugger, and outfielder made around $6 million in endorsements. However, his fortune (quite literally) turned after his record-breaking, two-way spectacle through 2021, as he was named the American League MVP.

Following the 2021 season, and crediting his talent both while pitching and batting, Ohtani upped his endorsement earnings by above 200% to $20 million. However, with an on-the-field income of close to $5 million, Ohtani was still far from the most-paid MLB player.

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But with 2023 lying in front, and an increased contract of $30 million, if Ohtani’s endorsements keep up, he will eventually become the most-paid MLB player (on and off the field).

Shohei Ohtani’s endorsements list has taken a hit in 2023

Earlier this year, Shohei Ohtani signed a footwear and apparel contract with New Balance, spanning multiple years. While talking about this partnership, Ohtani said, “New Balance is a global brand that is known for having incredible product innovation but also for being an authentic brand who allows their athletes to be themselves.”

However, with this massive signing for the two-way sensation, could his other endorsements take a hit? According to an Instagram upload from a few weeks back, when Ohtani was gifted a Hugo Boss jacket, it doesn’t seem only his endorsements will take a hit through 2023.

List of all endorsements Shohei Ohtani has done

• July 20, 2021: Fanatics (signed exclusive multiyear memorabilia deal)
• 2021: ASICS, Descente, Japan Airlines, Nishikawa Co., Seiko Watch, Hugo Boss, New Era, Panini, Fanatics, Oakley, Topps
• November 16, 2021: FTX (joined as a global ambassador)
• February 2022: MLB The Show 22, Nintendo Direct (promoted video game)

Read More: World Baseball Classic 2023 MVP Shohei Ohtani’s Special Jersey Fetches a Whopping $99,600 Hours After Famous Victory

• April 2022: FTX, Kowa, Mitsubishi Bank, Salesforce, ASICS, Descente, Fanatics, Topps, Panini, and Hugo Boss (new and renewed deals), estimated $20 million in total endorsement earnings
• August 2022: Porsche Japan (became brand ambassador)
• 2023: New Balance (became ambassador and will wear their gear on the field)

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Will 2023 help Ohtani establish himself as the highest-paid MLB player on and off the field? What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.