Who runs the MLB world (cue Beyoncé’s iconic Who runs the world?) – the answer is Shohei Ohtani. At least for this year! After he said goodbye to the Los Angeles Angels and signed with the LA Dodgers, several rolled their eyes. A crazy $700 million for one player is bollocks, many said! But in a slapback some could only imagine, Shohei Ohtani broke all records. He smashed 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases. He helped the Dodgers get that World Series title. And for them, getting Ohtani turned out to be the best decision ever.

Firstly, Ohtani’s major pay is deferred. According to recent news, it was the star’s idea only so that the team could bring other key pieces. And that has paid off big time. Right now the team is solid, and that’s why even when Ohtani got injured in the WS, they could shoulder that win. And even if the amount he gets from the Dodgers right now is less, his endorsement earnings are mind-boggling. Seems like it’s only going to increase now that Ohtani Jr. is on the way!

Shohei Ohtani’s skyrocketing endorsement value

In 2024, Shohei had around 19-20 brands endorsing him. His fees even skyrocketed. Well, isn’t that obvious? He is a two-way player and is as good a hitter as a pitcher. His fees were around $7 million/year, from apparel companies to beverage and cosmetics. With that, he might have earned $140 million this year alone. His modest $200,000 per year in 2017 seems just too less now. And this value will only go up.

Of course, Shohei Ohtani’s heroics are key to increasing his endorsement value. But another reason is his personal life, as per an article by Yahoo Japan. Ohtani and Mamiko Tanaka just announced that they are expecting their first child. This chapter in his life has shifted his image from a focused baseball persona to a family man. So, this opens the door to all sorts of other sponsorship opportunities – from home goods to food to insurance and more. Ohtani can be a fitting spokesperson for this.

Not just that. Ohtani’s popularity is soaring in Japan. More so as he is preparing for a major event in Tokyo in 2025. The LA Dodgers will be facing the Chicago Cubs in an opening series at Tokyo Dome. This is set to happen in March 2025. And it will be a celebration of the Japanese player, who is now easily known as baseball’s finest. So with that in line, Ohtani’s endorsement fees could climb to $10 million, making his earnings around $200 million or more.

Shohei Ohtani Jr. coming soon…

Shohei Ohtani wrapped up 2024 with the best news ever—he and his wife are expecting. And the internet went crazy when his post went online. He shared a sweet picture on Instagram, featuring a baby onesie, baby shoes, a sonogram, and of course, there was Decoy. He has been there in all the major events of the star; it’s only fitting he is there. Ohtani captioned the photo, “Can’t wait for the little rookie to join our family soon!”

This announcement is special because, with this, he ticked off another life goal, listed long back during his high school years. Among many things, he wanted to get married by 28 and then have their first child. Now at 30, the timeline might not be as he expected, but he finally has achieved many of the things he wished for. He has a World Series ring, he is married and has a baby in the coming. What a year it has been for the star!

From writing history with the 50-50 club to winning MVP for the third time to getting a ring in his first postseason appearance, Ohtani has a lot to celebrate. Both personal and professional, this year has been one for the books.

What are your favorite Ohtani moments of this year? Share your thoughts with us.