Inglewood, Calif. — Shohei Ohtani, renowned for his exceptional two-way skills in baseball, recently opted for a decade-long contract rather than risking a decline in his performance with a longer commitment. His agent, Nez Balelo, shed light on this decision during Sportico’s Invest West conference.
Ohtani’s historic $700 million, ten-year agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers marked the largest in professional sports following his transition from the Los Angeles Angels. In his inaugural season with the Dodgers, he secured his third MVP title and celebrated his first-ever World Series victory. Subsequently, Juan Soto surpassed the benchmark with a record $765 million, 15-year contract with the New York Mets.
Reflecting on Ohtani’s contract choice, Balelo stated, “We wouldn’t do anything differently. Shohei achieved a championship with the right team and harbors no regrets.” The contract’s structure includes $680 million in deferred payments, which effectively brings down its luxury tax value to approximately $461 million, contrasting with the annual $70 million it would have amounted to without deferrals. Ohtani will conclude this contract at 38 years old in 2033.
Balelo explained that the team could have extended the deal to 13, 14, or even 15 years, but Ohtani keenly wanted his skills to remain robust throughout his career span. “He didn’t want to end his career with a decline in performance,” Balelo remarked.
Although Balelo prefers staying out of the limelight, persistent speculation surrounded which team would eventually sign Ohtani, creating much anticipation among analysts and fans. “It was quite a journey,” Balelo conveyed in a session moderated by Ben Verlander, an MLB analyst.
A momentary frenzy unfolded on social media when rumors mistakenly hinted at Ohtani flying to Toronto to ink a deal with the Blue Jays. Balelo swiftly clarified, “That was misreporting; we weren’t on a plane.” He expressed apologies to both Canada and the Blue Jays for the erroneous speculation.
Underlining his priorities, Ohtani chose a team that promised sustained success, ensuring resources to recruit other talents and emphasizing his aspirations to triumph as a two-way player. “The Dodgers assured us they would maintain a competitive edge,” Balelo mentioned, representing CAA Sports’ baseball branch.
Ohtani also stands as a leading figure in baseball endorsements, with his income rising from $65 million in 2024 to an impressive $100 million this year. “Absolutely, those figures are accurate and evolving,” noted Balelo.
Ohtani is meticulous about selecting the 20-plus brands he endorses, prioritizing authenticity and alignment with his values. On-field excellence and rigorous training remain his primary focus. “He is deeply committed to his craft and cherishes maintaining a balance without overburdening himself,” Balelo shared.
Balelo first discovered Ohtani as a promising high school junior in Japan and closely monitored his evolving prowess with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. “There were unique strategies I employed in recruiting him,” he hinted, declining to elaborate further.
In Balelo’s words, securing Ohtani was undoubtedly challenging, yet the result emerged favorably, benefiting both their professional trajectories substantially.