Shohei Ohtani’s $680 Million Deferral Leaves Ample Space for Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Los Angeles Dodgers Roster

If there is one word to describe Shohei Ohtani, it would be ‘unique’. Not only does he show his uniqueness on the field, but also in his attitude. The reason for saying that sprouts from discussions about his gargantuan contract of $700 million. Despite the massive number, how did he just agree to earn only $2 million per season? 

Having pitched the idea to the Dodgers about keeping a majority of his contract deferred, Ohtani displayed responsibility. Thanks to Shohei Ohtani’s flexible contract with a majority under deferral, it has given the Dodgers room financially to accommodate other competent players as they gear up for 2024. 

The Benefits of Shohei Ohtani’s Flexible Contract

As per a recent report from The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya, the two-way phenom is set to defer $68 million from his annual $70 million salary until the completion of his contract. This arrangement implies that Ohtani will receive $2 million per season throughout the entirety of his 10-year deal. With this level of flexibility, the Dodgers don’t have their hands tied. 

As the MLB insider, Russel Dorsey reported, the LA’s Blue Crew is “aggressively” pursuing the Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto. “Later this week”, when the two parties meet up as proposedly scheduled, their discussion is said to entail negotiations. 

Having said that, it must not be forgotten that though the South California team has all the resources to successfully acquire the to-be MLB debutant, there are other suitors.

Among the notable teams interested in signing him are the New York Mets and the New York Yankees. Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman even publicly expressed interest in the free agent. He said, “We were impressed” which makes it an extremely close competition. 

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

Factors That Make Yoshinobu Yamamoto a Great Fit Alongside Ohtani

As reported by Fabian Ardaya, an executive of the camp believe they can succeed in landing the youthful and powerful 25-year-old owing to their fan base. Especially juxtaposed with the two way phenom. It would work out really well, as per the report, “Dodgers officials feel that Yamamoto growing up a Dodgers fan could boost the club’s odds should they be able to reach such a high number”.

Another point to factor in that might work out favorably for Los Angeles is ‘familiarity’. Their bond dates back to when Yamamoto and Ohtani were teammates representing Japan in the World Baseball Classic, 2023. They won the title, giving a glimpse of their camaraderie as teammates. Their newly acquired star would provide an amazing environment of friendliness plus experience for the debutant to ease into the team.

Read More: Shohei Ohtani’s Monumental $700 Million Contract With a ‘Deferral’ Twist Reaffirms ‘Winning’ as His Ultimate Priority

Let’s see how this Ohtani-Yamamoto saga pans out.