Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese baseball superstar, has signed a record-breaking $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, making him the highest-paid player in baseball history.

The deal, which will see Ohtani earn $70 million per year for 10 years, is also the largest contract in American sports history. It surpasses the previous record of $673 million set by Lionel Messi with Barcelona in 2017.

Ohtani’s contract is a reflection of his unique talent. He is a two-way player, meaning he is both a star pitcher and hitter. In 2023, he led the MLB in strikeouts while also hitting 34 home runs.

Ohtani’s signing is a major coup for the Dodgers, who are one of the most successful teams in baseball. They are hoping that Ohtani will help them win their first World Series championship since 2020.

The deal is also a major win for Todd Boehly, the chairman of Chelsea FC and co-owner of the Dodgers. Boehly is a savvy businessman who has been instrumental in building both the Dodgers and Chelsea into championship contenders.

Ohtani’s signing is a watershed moment for baseball. It shows that the sport is capable of competing with the NFL and NBA for the world’s best athletes. It is also a sign of the growing popularity of baseball in Japan and around the world.

Here are some additional details about the deal:

• The contract includes a $25 million signing bonus.
• Ohtani has a opt-out clause after the fifth year of the deal.
• The deal is fully guaranteed.

Ohtani’s signing is sure to have a ripple effect throughout the sports world. It will be interesting to see if it inspires other teams to offer similar deals to their star players.

In addition to the above, here are some other interesting facts about Ohtani:

• He is the first player in MLB history to be named an All-Star as both a pitcher and a hitter.
• He is the only player in MLB history to hit 30 home runs and strike out 150 batters in the same season.
• He was named the AL MVP in 2021.

Ohtani is a truly unique and special player. He is sure to be a star in Major League Baseball for many years to come.