Rich Eisen could barely believe what he was reading. Shohei Ohtani, baseball’s biggest two-way superstar, isn’t just breaking records on the field—he’s redefining the financial landscape of sports. The staggering reality is that Ohtani’s endorsement deals alone generate an estimated $50 million annually, a figure that eclipses every other MLB player by a wide margin. The next closest player doesn’t even reach double-digit millions, highlighting just how singular his marketability has become.

This financial supremacy allowed Shohei Ohtani to structure his record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in an unprecedented way. By deferring $680 million of his salary, he provided the team with short-term payroll flexibility while securing long-term financial security for himself. And therein lies the fun bit!

Unlike most players who rely on their contracts as their primary source of income, Ohtani is in a unique position where his playing salary is almost secondary. His endorsement empire ensures he remains one of the world’s highest-paid athletes, regardless of what happens on the field. And that fact had Rich Eisen awestruck!

“We’re living in his world,” Eisen declared, marveling at Shohei Ohtani’s global appeal on his The Rich Eisen Show. And really, who could argue? He said, “When you enter the Dodger Stadium, and you see video boards filled with his cologne, and his energy drink, and, I mean, why not?” His brand is everywhere in Japan, the U.S., and beyond.

But with great power (and great money) comes great expectations. Eisen raised the inevitable question: What if the Dodgers don’t win the World Series? Ohtani’s contract, while structured to benefit the team now, is still a monumental financial commitment in the long run. If Los Angeles doesn’t capitalize on this window of dominance, critics will be ruthless.

World Series or bust? Managing expectations in Los Angeles

The Dodgers have put together a team with Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman leading the charge. Their star players along with a solid supporting cast make them a force to reckon with. However, the pressure on Los Angeles is higher than ever. They are expected to win it all, especially considering the pocket-burning moves that helped build this powerhouse roster. The story circling this team has shifted from aiming for deep playoff runs to focusing on winning championships. With the amount of talent assembled, patience will be thin among fans and analysts alike if the team falls short.

However, baseball remains unpredictable, and even the most dominant teams can stumble in October. Injuries, slumps, or simply the randomness of a short postseason series could derail a championship bid. The Dodgers have the pieces to win multiple titles, but history has shown that talent alone doesn’t guarantee success. The challenge now is not just meeting expectations but sustaining excellence in the long term, ensuring that Ohtani’s deferral gamble ultimately pays off with rings.

In the end, Shohei Ohtani’s presence elevates the Dodgers both competitively and financially, redefining what it means to be a modern superstar. Whether or not he delivers a World Series title, his influence on the sport is already historic.