Shohei Ohtani [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/shohei-ohtani/] is possibly one of the most exciting prospects to come to MLB in recent times and the season he had with the Los Angeles in 2021 is a testament to his caliber. MOST POPULAR PLAYER IN AMERICA? Shohei’s performances on the pitch have also translated to solid numbers in popularity amongst viewers of the League, with Ohtani crowned as the most popular player in the United States. Many analysts echoed the sentiments about Ohtani’s newfound emergence, including Ben Verlander. [https://twitter.com/BenVerlander/status/1471593014988460032?t=ELEuud3WxynN-CLX8NoqQg&s=08] The LA Angels’ newest acquisition, Noah Syndergaard, got in on the action too. SHOHEI OHTANI DELIVERS In his 4th year in the MLB, Ohtani has lit the league alight with his performances. He has had a whirlwind of a season, hitting 46 home runs [https://www.mlb.com/player/shohei-ohtani-660271], driving 100 runs to home plate, and leading the league with 8 triples. Also, he managed this while striking [https://www.mlb.com/player/shohei-ohtani-660271] out 156 hitters in 130 1/3 innings that he was pitching. Talk about effective. Scores in MLB 2022 Season [https://www.essentiallysports.com/us-sports-news-baseball-news-mlb-news-those-numbers-will-be-my-standard-shohei-ohtani-predicts-bigger-scores-in-mlb-2022-season-los-angeles-angels/] Shohei Ohtani was undoubtedly the star performer for the Angels in 2021, gaining recognition [https://www.mlb.com/news/ohtani-commissioner-s-historic-achievement-award] even from the commissioner, Rob Manfred. As the League’s first 2 way All-Star in 2021, both as designated hitter as well as pitcher, Ohtani’s stock is riding high right now. A SWITCH FOR OHTANI The curious part, however, is not just Ohtani’s popularity, but rather how universal it seems to be. People from all over the country seem to be taking notice of the AL 2021 MVP. With his contract with the Angels going into arbitration in 2023, time may be rife to consider a switch. [https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/shohei-ohtani5555.jpg] Ohtani is getting close to free agency. And even though he is making $ 5.5 Million in 2022 [https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/angels-offseason-wish-list-what-else-team-needs-around-shohei-ohtani-and-mike-trout-after-syndergaard-splash/], an upgrade from his initial $3 million of 2021, the LA Angels might want to consider a contract extension for Ohtani as soon as possible, if they want to retain him. [https://www.essentiallysports.com/stories/us-sports-news-top-5-mlb-players-without-world-series-title/] Ohtani ranked as the most searched in most states, including California, Florida, and even the Lone Star State. Potential transfers to more lucrative franchises and contracts may be around the corner. All Ohtani needs to do is keep his performances going and make the right calls in the offseason. 

Shohei Ohtani ranks highest amongst the most popular baseball players in a
recent survey. Take a deep dive into Ohtani's career so far.

Aditya Deshingkar is a US Sports writer at EssentiallySports. An aspiring
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Who is The Most Popular MLB Player in California, Florida and Texas in 2021?

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That Separates Him From Other “Superstars”

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<h2 style="color: #252525;text-align: center">Shohei Ohtani: Net Worth 2024, MLB Career, Relationships, and More</h2>
<h2 style="color: #252525;text-align: center">What is the net worth of Los Angeles Dodgers' star Shohei Ohtani?</h2>
As described by the media and his sponsors, Shohei Ohtani is a once-in-a-lifetime talent who recently inked a history-breaking $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. According to various sources, Shohei Ohtani's net worth was approximately $50 million in 2023, prior to landing a deal with the Dodgers. 


[caption id="attachment_2541444" align="aligncenter" width="8001"]<img class="size-full wp-image-2541444" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-12-22T010301Z_1643876178_MT1USATODAY22156122_RTRMADP_3_NFL-NEW-ORLEANS-SAINTS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-RAMS.jpg" alt="" width="8001" height="5334" /> Dec 21, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers player Shohei Ohtani attends the game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
While the specifics of the contract clauses are kept confidential, industry experts speculate that Ohtani stands to potentially earn approximately $105 million annually in 2024. This estimated sum combines his salary from the Dodgers and endorsement deals. With Ohtani being a generational talent, his parents deserve a special mention.

<h2 style="color: #252525;text-align: center">Who are his parents? All you need to know about his life and family</h2>
On July 5th, 1994, the baseball unicorn-to-be was born to Toru and Kayoko Ohtani in Oshu, Japan. For the unversed, Sho-time hails from a family of athletes. On the one hand, his father, Toru, earned a livelihood by working in a local automobile manufacturing plant in the same country, and he was an avid baseball player in the Japanese Industrial League. Recognizing young Shohei's natural talent for the game, Toru understood the importance of wholeheartedly dedicating himself to coaching his son.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2571375" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Ohtani-Parents.png" alt="" width="1132" height="822" />
On the other hand, Shohei’s mother was in a different league altogether. In her high school days, Kayoko actively played badminton, which led her school authorities to keep her reserved for the local games. 
In a brief span, her exceptional skills on the court propelled her to the national level. Nevertheless, she opted to retire from sports in her late twenties and prioritized her family.
Ryuta Ohtani, the older brother of Shohei, initially pursued a career as an amateur baseball player and later transitioned into coaching for a corporate baseball team. Meanwhile, their sister, Yuka, engaged in volleyball during her teenage years before embarking on a career in the medical field. It is safe to say that sports run in the blood of the Ohtanis.

<h2 style="color: #252525;text-align: center">A Star on the Diamond: A Look at Shohei Ohtani’s Baseball Career</h2>
After being trained by his father, the now-best baseball player in the world", he attended Hanamaki Higashi High School, pitching for the school team. At just 18, Ohtani showed his incredible pitching ability by tossing a near-100-mph fastball.
Although he wished to join the major leagues right after high school, Ohtani joined the Japanese team Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in 2013. It was here that Ohtani honed his skills as a hitter and a pitcher to become one of the hottest prospects in baseball. He recorded some of the best statistics of any Japanese player, ranging from strikeouts to home runs in the sport's history.


[caption id="attachment_1735240" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1735240" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-05-10T230436Z_1529850878_MT1USATODAY20637185_RTRMADP_3_MLB-HOUSTON-ASTROS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-ANGELS.jpg" alt="Shohei Ohtani" width="1920" height="1280" /> May 10, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates with the kabuto helmet after hitting a two run home run against the Houston Astros during the ninth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
Amidst interest from many MLB teams, Ohtani signed with the Los Angeles Angels in December 2017. He played his first MLB game against the Oakland Athletics on March 29, 2018. During this game, he played as a designated hitter, hitting a single on his first at-bat. Two days later, he made his pitching debut against the same opponents.
He won the American League Rookie of the Year in 2018, marking his potential for the rest of the MLB. However, he suffered a bipartite patella injury in 2019, which cut short his second MLB season. Prior to this, the Japanese star underwent Tommy John surgery, which put his pitching career in doubt.
In 2020, Ohtani suffered a flexor strain on his elbow, which once again endangered his pitching capability. However, the then-27-year-old produced one of his finest MLB seasons in 2021, both as a pitcher and a hitter. After delivering one of the best and most remarkable seasons in 2022, Ohtani asserted, “My pitching numbers are better. I’m just playing with more confidence after experiencing last year.”


[caption id="attachment_781400" align="aligncenter" width="1392"]<img class="size-full wp-image-781400" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-09-26T014826Z_1535639680_MT1USATODAY16829036_RTRMADP_3_MLB-SEATTLE-MARINERS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-ANGELS.jpg" alt="Shohei Ohtani At Yankee Stadium" width="1392" height="1920" /> Sep 25, 2021; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) triples against the Seattle Mariners in the first inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
In his sixth Major League season with the Angels, the 29-year-old has garnered various accolades in both diamond and mound. From ranking in the Top Four in the American League in home runs and recording a second career 40+ HR season as a hitter to leading the AL to pitching his first career complete game and first shutout as a pitcher to record 10+ pitching wins and 30+ HR for a second consecutive season. In every aspect, the baseball season of 2023 will go down in history as the Year of Ohtani. Why? Owing to his “record-setting” deal.

<h2 style="color: #252525;text-align: center">Largest contract in the MLB history: Shohei Ohtani’s contract in detail</h2>
On December 9, 2023, shortly after the conclusion of the MLB Winter Meetings, Shohei Ohtani concluded his initial venture into free agency by inking a 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Although the “richest in North American sports history," this deal had a catch: $68 million out of the $70 million annually are deferrals. This clearly means Ohtani is set to earn only $2 million a year from 2024 to 2033. The deferred payments, which is $68 million a year, will be distributed without interest from 2034 to 2043.


[caption id="attachment_2463072" align="aligncenter" width="2339"]<img class="size-full wp-image-2463072" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-12-14T233308Z_1005565715_UP1EJCE1TF7I2_RTRMADP_3_BASEBALL-MLB-OHTANI-NEWSER.jpg" alt="Shohei Ohtani" width="2339" height="1614" /> Baseball - Shohei Ohtani Press Conference - Centerfield Plaza, Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California, United States - December 14, 2023 Shohei Ohtani during the press conference REUTERS/Aude Guerrucci[/caption]
By the time Ohtani starts receiving his deferrals, a contract with the Dodgers will no longer bind him. According to experts, the two-way phenomenon is poised to potentially save between $90 and $100 million in state taxes, mainly because he is a resident outside of California after the conclusion of his “pretty interesting” structured contract on paper.

<h2 style="color: #252525;text-align: center">A successful journey: All his achievements so far</h2>
From staying local with Nippon Professional Baseball to becoming the unicorn in the Major League lights, Shohei Ohtani’s baseball journey is a testament to grit, talent, and wanderlust. Here are all his achievements so far:
International

<ul style="color: #252525">
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;color: #252525">World Baseball Classic MVP (2023)</li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;color: #252525">All-World Baseball Classic Team (2023)</li>
</ul>
MLB

<ul style="color: #252525">
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;color: #252525">AL Hank Aaron Award (2023)</li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;color: #252525">AL home run leader (2023)</li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;color: #252525">3× All-Star (2021–2023)</li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;color: #252525">2× AL MVP (2021, 2023)</li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;color: #252525">4× All-MLB First Team (2021-2023²)</li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;color: #252525">2× All-MLB Second Team (2021, 2022)</li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;color: #252525">2× Silver Slugger Award (2021, 2023)</li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;color: #252525">3× Edgar Martínez Award (2021–2023)</li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;color: #252525">2× AP Athlete of the Year (2021, 2023)</li>
 	<li>Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award (2021)</li>
 	<li>AL triples leader (2021)</li>
 	<li>AL Rookie of the Year (2018)</li>
</ul>
NPB

<ul style="color: #252525">
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;color: #252525">Japan Series champion (2016)</li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;color: #252525">Pacific League MVP (2016)</li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;color: #252525">Designated Hitter Best Nine (2016)</li>
 	<li>2× Japan Professional Sports Grand Prize (2016, 2018)</li>
 	<li>2× Pacific League Pitcher Best Nine (2015–2016)</li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;color: #252525">Pacific League ERA leader (2015)</li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;color: #252525">Pacific League Battery Award, with Shota Ono (2015)</li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;color: #252525">WBSC Player of the Year (2015)</li>
 	<li>5× NPB All-Star (2013–2017)</li>
</ul>
<h2 style="color: #252525;text-align: center">Is he married? The truth behind his relationship with Kamalani Dung</h2>
“Ohtani likes to keep his cards close to his chest." Didn’t we already notice this most recently while he was adamant about keeping his free agency moves private? Surprisingly, this applies to not only his professional life but also his personal life. 
Ohtani, who is officially and publicly married to Mamiko Tanaka since the late February of this year, has been a victim of marriage rumors. Although not much is known about Ohtani's past relationships or the woman in his contact, Kamalani Dung, a Hawaiian woman who is said to be a professional softball player, was once strongly linked to the Japanese man.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1585948" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Adobe_Express_20220513_2049360-1024x576-1.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="576" />
Having represented Puerto Rico in the sport as a right-handed pitcher, Dung is called a "YouTube Pitcher." As the name suggests, Kamalani acquired her softball throwing skills through YouTube videos and tutorials. Even after this, she managed to earn a gold medal at the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games in Barranquilla, Colombia.
Incidentally, in the same year, the now-26-year-old posted a picture with Ohtani on her Instagram account. As soon as the post went viral, the baseball fandom was quick to conclude: ‘Ohtani dating Dung’. However, immediately after, Dung cleared the air, stating that she was just a massive fan of Shohei.

<table style="color: #252525;width: 91.9149%">
<tbody style="color: #252525">
<tr style="color: #252525">
<td style="color: #252525;width: 25.2418%;text-align: left">
Age
</td>
<td style="color: #252525;width: 65.3597%;text-align: left">
29
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="color: #252525">
<td style="color: #252525;width: 25.2418%;text-align: left">
Nationality
</td>
<td style="color: #252525;width: 65.3597%;text-align: left">
Japanese
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="color: #252525">
<td style="color: #252525;width: 25.2418%;text-align: left">
Team
</td>
<td style="color: #252525;width: 65.3597%;text-align: left">
Los Angeles Dodgers
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="color: #252525">
<td style="color: #252525;width: 25.2418%;text-align: left">
Net Worth
</td>
<td style="color: #252525;width: 65.3597%;text-align: left">
$50million
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="color: #252525">
<td style="color: #252525;width: 25.2418%;text-align: left">
Endorsements
</td>
<td style="color: #252525;width: 65.3597%;text-align: left">Hugo Boss, Topps, Fanatics, Oakley, ASICS, Seiko Watch, JAL Airlines, Descente, New Balance </td>
</tr>
<tr style="color: #252525">
<td style="color: #252525;width: 25.2418%">
Height
</td>
<td style="color: #252525;width: 65.3597%">
1.93M
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="color: #252525">
<td style="color: #252525;width: 25.2418%">
Weight
</td>
<td style="color: #252525;width: 65.3597%">
94kg
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="color: #252525">
<td style="color: #252525;width: 25.2418%">
Marital Status
</td>
<td style="color: #252525;width: 65.3597%">
Single
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="color: #252525">
<td style="color: #252525;width: 25.2418%">
Parents 
</td>
<td style="color: #252525;width: 65.3597%">
Kayoko Ohtani and Toru Ohtani
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Shohei Ohtani

Know everything about two-way phenom Japanese slugger, reigning AL MVP, and the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani.

Who is The Most Popular MLB Player in California, Florida and Texas in 2021?

Most Popular Player in America?

Shohei Ohtani delivers

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