10 Years, $700 Million: Surpassing Lionel Messi, Aaron Rodgers, and Devin Booker, Shohei Ohtani Becomes Highest-Paid Athlete in North American Sports

The ice has finally broken for the biggest deal in MLB history. It happened after the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to pay Shohei Ohtani $700 million and sign him on a 10-year contract. Notably, the sum amount has increased the probable amount, making the case rarer than it was. But that’s not all. This deal has also created a record, which American sports did not expect earlier.

Undoubtedly, Ohtani was always termed a player worth half a billion dollars. Due to this, the star player was projected to lead the MLB earning charts. However, the current contract has changed it all. The two-way phenom has surpassed the MLB contract history but also has left behind players like Lionel Messi, Aaron Rodgers, Devin Booker, and more to become the list of highest-earning athletes.

Shohei Ohtani Is the Ultimate Winner, Not Only in the MLB but American Sports

The MLB deal has won the perception battle with the highest contract in American sports. Thus, its repercussions are not limited only to baseball. A tweet from Bob Nightengale focused on the same which read, “Shohei Ohtani becomes the highest-paid athlete in North American Sports History.”

Well, this is the truth only. Notably, the basketball guard Devin Booker had the highest earnings, with $56.1 million per year. It put him ahead of the global soccer icon Lionel Messi ($53.7) and the football quarterback Aaron Rodgers ($50.3) in the earning charts. But all that is history, as Ohtani leads this list now by a margin of millions with his extended stay in Los Angeles but in a different kit.

The Japanese wonder also understands this and wants to do well for his new team after signing a historic contract. The star player reflected the same thoughts, love, and respect in his social media posts, indicating a new dawn in his career.

A New Home, but the Old Spirit Still Resides in the Belief of Ohtani

It has been a great personal journey for Ohtani in MLB. The star player from Japan made it to the high hopes in the league and performed well, justifying the same. Multiple MVP nominations and wins are a perfect example. However, even after all the good work, he has yet to win a World Series. This has frustrated him and became one of the reasons behind his move to a new team. But that has not changed the spirit of Ohtani.

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

Though the home has changed for him, the 30-year-old is following the same goal of dining well on the bigger stage. He has promised the same in his Instagram post, with a vision that goes till his retirement plan. But the question remains: Will he be able to achieve it fully? Only time can answer this.

Read More:- Not Really $700 Million? Breaking Down Shohei Ohtani’s 10-Year-Contract With Los Angeles Dodgers