Dodgers owed Shohei Ohtani for deferring salary in contract

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani last offseason to a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract that was uniquely structured to help both sides.

Ohtani deferred all but $20 million in total value until the end of his contract so that the Dodgers would have maximum flexibility in building their roster around him.

LA then signed players like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Teoscar Hernández in free agency, while also acquiring Tyler Glasnow and extending his contract long-term. The Dodgers later acquired Jack Flaherty, Tommy Edman and Michael Kopech at the July 30 trade deadline, all of whom have made significant contributions.

Dodgers principal owner Mark Walter is pleased Ohtani was able to reach the postseason for the first time with the team, thanks to Dylan Hernández of the LA Times:

While holding his own beer, Walter said of Ohtani, “I'm so glad we were able to take him from being in the playoffs to the World Series.”

Walter felt that the Dodgers had a responsibility to Ohtani to put the best team on the field after making a significant financial sacrifice:

“That’s what Shohei did to make sure we could put the best team around him on the field,” Walter said. “I felt like we owed it to him to do our best and get him there.”

The Dodgers overcame a 2-1 deficit to defeat the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series and have since eliminated the New York Mets to secure another pennant.

The Dodgers are now four wins away from the New York Yankees to bring Los Angeles another World Series title.

Ohtani hasn't had to fully lead the team in October, but it might be more necessary if he hopes to win a championship in his first postseason experience.

Shohei Ohtani among the finalists of the Players Choice Awards 2024

Ohtani had a historic first season with the Dodgers, hitting .310/.390/.646 with 38 doubles, seven triples, 54 home runs, 130 RBI and 59 stolen bases in 159 games.

Ohtani is now a finalist for two 2024 Players Choice Awards.

Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to click the notification bell to watch player interviews, enter shows and sweepstakes, and stay up to date on all the Dodgers news and rumors!