Shohei Ohtani: Career Stats, $700M Contract & Complete Guide (2024)

Shohei Ohtani Quick Facts (2024)

Who Is Shohei Ohtani?

Shohei Ohtani is the only player in modern MLB history who excels as both an elite pitcher and power hitter—a feat not accomplished since Babe Ruth abandoned pitching in 1920. In December 2023, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Ohtani to a record-shattering $700 million contract, making it the largest deal in professional sports history.

Born in Mizusawa, Japan, Ohtani dominated Japanese professional baseball before joining MLB’s Los Angeles Angels in 2018. He’s won two unanimous American League MVP awards (2021, 2023), been selected to three All-Star games as both pitcher and hitter, and fundamentally changed how baseball evaluates talent.

Key Achievement: First player ever to win multiple unanimous MVP awards and the only player since 1919 to hit 15+ home runs while pitching 50+ innings in a single season.

Shohei Ohtani Career Statistics (2018-2023)

MLB Hitting Stats

MLB Pitching Stats

Note: Ohtani missed 2019 (Tommy John surgery recovery) and most of 2020 (injury)

The $700 Million Dodgers Contract Explained

Contract Breakdown

On December 9, 2023, Shohei Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers—the largest contract in professional sports history.

Key Details:

• Total Value: $700 million over 10 years (2024-2033)
• Annual Average Value: $70 million per year
• Deferred Money: $680 million deferred until 2034-2043
• Annual Salary (2024-2033): $2 million per year
• Present Day Value: Approximately $460 million (due to deferrals)
• Previous Record: Mike Trout’s $426.5M (12 years, Angels, 2019)

Why the Deferrals?

Ohtani structured the contract with unprecedented deferrals to allow the Dodgers payroll flexibility to build a championship roster around him. He’ll receive $68 million annually from 2034-2043, without interest.

Contract Comparison

What Makes Shohei Ohtani Different?

The Two-Way Player Phenomenon

Shohei Ohtani is the only player in modern baseball who performs at an All-Star level as both a pitcher and hitter. Here’s what makes this unprecedented:

As a Hitter:

• ✅ 46 home runs in 2021 (2nd in AL)
• ✅ Career .896 OPS (elite level)
• ✅ 99th percentile exit velocity (average 116+ mph on hardest hits)
• ✅ 20+ stolen bases (elite speed for power hitter)
• ✅ Can hit 3-4 times per game while also pitching

As a Pitcher:

• ✅ 2.33 ERA in 2022 (6th best among qualified starters)
• ✅ Consistently throws 99+ mph fastball
• ✅ Devastating splitter (30%+ whiff rate)
• ✅ Averages 11+ strikeouts per 9 innings
• ✅ Would be ace on most MLB rotations

Ohtani vs. Babe Ruth: The Comparison

Babe Ruth is the only historical comparison, but even Ruth stopped pitching regularly after 1919. Here’s how they stack up:

Verdict: Ohtani has sustained two-way excellence longer than Ruth, with superior pitching metrics in the modern era.

Physical Capabilities

• Pitching velocity: Consistently 98-101 mph fastball
• Sprint speed: 28.2 ft/sec (top 15% in MLB)
• Exit velocity: 116+ mph (elite power)
• Height/Frame: 6’4″, 210 lbs (ideal pitcher/hitter build)

Shohei Ohtani Career Timeline

Early Life in Japan (1994-2017)

Born: July 5, 1994, in Mizusawa, Japan (rural northern city)

High School Career:

• Set Japanese high school velocity record: 99 mph at age 17
• Also hit tape-measure home runs as cleanup hitter
• Nearly bypassed Japanese pro league to jump straight to MLB

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (2013-2017):

• 2013: Made debut at age 18 as two-way player
• 2016: Pacific League MVP (.322 AVG, 1.86 ERA same season)
• Won: Japan Series championship (2016)
• Won: Home Run Derby (2016)
• 5x NPB All-Star

The Fighters convinced Ohtani to stay in Japan with one promise: “You can pitch AND hit.” No MLB team at the time would commit to that.

MLB Career: Los Angeles Angels (2018-2023)

2018: Rookie Sensation

• Debuted April 1, 2018 vs Oakland A’s
• First MLB hit: Opening Day single off Kendall Graveman
• Hit home run in first three home games
• Flirted with perfect game in second career start (12 K’s, 7 IP)
• Diagnosed with UCL injury (June) – eventual Tommy John surgery
• Results: 22 HR, .925 OPS / 3.31 ERA, 63 K in 51.2 IP
• Award: AL Rookie of the Year (unanimous)

2019: Recovery Year

• Tommy John surgery recovery
• Limited to DH duties only
• 18 HR, .848 OPS in 106 games
• No pitching appearances

2020: Struggles

• Disastrous return to mound (5 runs, 0 outs in first start)
• Flexor-pronator strain (elbow)
• Hit just .190 in pandemic-shortened season
• Critics questioned if two-way career was over

2021: Historic MVP Season

The season that changed everything.

Hitting:

• 46 HR (3rd in AL)
• 100 RBI, 103 runs
• 26 stolen bases
• .965 OPS (5th in MLB)

Pitching:

• 3.18 ERA in 130.1 IP
• 156 strikeouts
• 9-2 record

Achievements:

• ✅ First player selected as pitcher AND hitter for All-Star Game
• ✅ All-Star Game MVP
• ✅ AL MVP (unanimous)
• ✅ Silver Slugger Award
• ✅ Commissioner’s Historic Achievement Award

The “Ohtani Rule” created: MLB changed rules to allow pitchers who bat for themselves to remain as DH after leaving mound.

2022: Even Better

Hitting:

• 34 HR, 95 RBI
• .875 OPS

Pitching:

• 2.33 ERA (6th in AL)
• 219 strikeouts (5th in AL)
• 15-9 record
• 166.0 innings (first time qualifying for ERA title)

Achievements:

• ✅ 4th in AL Cy Young voting
• ✅ 3rd in AL MVP voting (behind Aaron Judge’s 62 HR season)
• ✅ All-Star selection
• ✅ Silver Slugger Award

2023: Second Unanimous MVP

Hitting:

• 44 HR (4th in AL)
• 1.066 OPS (1st in AL)
• .304 AVG (career high)
• 20 stolen bases

Pitching:

• 3.14 ERA in 132.0 IP
• 167 strikeouts
• 10-5 record

Injury: Suffered UCL tear in August, requiring second Tommy John surgery

Achievements:

• ✅ AL MVP (unanimous) – First player ever with 2 unanimous MVPs
• ✅ Silver Slugger Award
• ✅ All-MLB First Team (both hitter and pitcher)

World Baseball Classic (March 2023):

• Tournament MVP
• Led Japan to championship
• Struck out Mike Trout to clinch gold medal (iconic moment)

Los Angeles Dodgers Era (2024-)

Signed: December 9, 2023 ($700M, 10 years)

2024 Status:

• Will DH only (recovering from Tommy John surgery)
• Expected return to pitching: 2025
• Projects as everyday DH with elite production

Awards & Historic Achievements

Major Awards

• ✅ 2x AL MVP (2021, 2023) – Both unanimous
• ✅ AL Rookie of the Year (2018) – Unanimous
• ✅ 3x All-Star (2021, 2022, 2023)
• ✅ All-Star Game MVP (2021)
• ✅ 3x Silver Slugger (2021, 2022, 2023)
• ✅ World Baseball Classic MVP (2023)
• ✅ Commissioner’s Historic Achievement Award (2021)
• ✅ 2x All-MLB First Team (2022, 2023)

Historic Records & Milestones

First player to:

• Win 2 unanimous MVP awards
• Be selected as both pitcher and position player for All-Star Game
• Record 45+ HR and 100+ strikeouts (as pitcher) in same season
• Hit 30+ HR with 100+ strikeouts pitched in multiple seasons
• Start All-Star Game as both pitcher and hitter

Since Babe Ruth (1919):

• Only player with 15+ HR and 50+ IP in single season
• Only player to sustain elite two-way production for 3+ consecutive seasons

Japanese Player Records:

• Largest MLB contract for Japanese-born player ($700M)
• Most MVPs by Japanese player (2)
• First Japanese player with 40+ HR season (46 in 2021)

Injury History & 2024 Outlook

Major Injuries

2018 – UCL Sprain (Grade 2):

• Diagnosed: June 2018
• Initial treatment: Rest and rehab
• Ultimate decision: Tommy John surgery (October 2018)

2018 – Tommy John Surgery #1:

• Procedure: October 1, 2018
• Recovery: Missed all of 2019 pitching
• Return to hitting: 2019 season
• Return to pitching: 2020 (limited)

2020 – Flexor-Pronator Strain:

• Occurred during disastrous 2020 comeback
• Ended pitching season after just 2 appearances
• Contributed to poor hitting (.190 AVG)

2023 – UCL Tear (Tommy John Surgery #2):

• Diagnosed: Late August 2023
• Procedure: September 2023
• Recovery timeline: 12-18 months
• Expected pitching return: Mid-2025

2024 Season Outlook

Status: DH only for entire 2024 season

Expectations:

• Elite offensive production (.280+ AVG, 40+ HR potential)
• Full participation as everyday DH (140+ games)
• No pitching appearances
• Focus on championship with Dodgers

2025 & Beyond:

• Return to two-way duties expected mid-2025
• Age 30-31 entering prime years
• Contract runs through 2033 (age 39)

Why Shohei Ohtani Is So Valuable

On-Field Value

Wins Above Replacement (WAR):

• 2021: 9.1 WAR (3rd in MLB)
• 2022: 9.6 WAR (2nd in MLB)
• 2023: 10.1 WAR (1st in MLB)

For context, a 5+ WAR season is All-Star level. Ohtani has averaged 9.6 WAR over his last three seasons.

Off-Field Value

Marketing & Revenue:

• MLB’s most marketable player globally
• Massive following in Japan and Asia
• Dodgers jersey sales skyrocketed immediately after signing
• Estimated $20M+ annual endorsement deals (New Balance, Fanatics, Seiko, others)

Media Rights:

• Dodgers gained significant leverage in Japanese broadcasting rights
• Games featuring Ohtani draw premium viewership in Japan
• Estimated $50M+ annual value to team’s media portfolio

Frequently Asked Questions About Shohei Ohtani

How much is Shohei Ohtani’s contract?

Shohei Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2023—the largest contract in professional sports history. Due to massive deferrals ($680M paid 2034-2043), the present-day value is approximately $460 million.

Can Shohei Ohtani pitch and hit?

Yes. Shohei Ohtani is the only player in modern MLB history who performs at an All-Star level as both an elite pitcher and power hitter. He won’t pitch in 2024 due to Tommy John surgery recovery but is expected to return to two-way duties in 2025.

What makes Shohei Ohtani special?

Ohtani combines elite pitching (99+ mph fastball, 2.33 ERA in 2022) with elite hitting (46 HR in 2021, 1.066 OPS in 2023) in the same season. No player has sustained this two-way excellence since Babe Ruth stopped pitching in 1920—over 100 years ago.

When will Shohei Ohtani pitch again?

Ohtani underwent his second Tommy John surgery in September 2023. He will not pitch during the 2024 season but is expected to return to the mound in mid-2025, 18+ months after surgery.

How many MVPs does Shohei Ohtani have?

Shohei Ohtani has won 2 American League MVP awards (2021, 2023), both by unanimous vote. He is the first player in MLB history to win multiple unanimous MVP awards.

Is Shohei Ohtani better than Babe Ruth?

As a two-way player, Ohtani has sustained elite production longer than Ruth (5+ seasons vs. 2). Ohtani’s pitching metrics are superior in the modern era (11+ K/9 vs Ruth’s 4.9), though Ruth’s hitting peak was higher. Both are generational talents who redefined baseball.

What is Shohei Ohtani’s salary?

Despite his $700M contract, Ohtani’s actual annual salary from 2024-2033 is $2 million per year due to deferrals. He will receive $68 million annually from 2034-2043. His average annual value (for luxury tax purposes) is $46 million.

How tall is Shohei Ohtani?

Shohei Ohtani is 6’4″ (193 cm) and weighs approximately 210 lbs (95 kg). His size provides ideal leverage for both pitching velocity and power hitting.

What team is Shohei Ohtani on?

Shohei Ohtani plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers (2024-present). He previously played for the Los Angeles Angels (2018-2023) and the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan (2013-2017).

Can Shohei Ohtani hit 50 home runs?

Yes. Ohtani hit 46 home runs in 2021 and 44 in 2023. Given his elite exit velocity (116+ mph), improved plate discipline, and 155+ game capability, reaching 50 HR in a healthy season is very realistic.

What’s Next for Shohei Ohtani?

2024 Season Goals

• Individual: Hit .300 with 40+ HR as everyday DH
• Team: Lead Dodgers to first World Series title since 2020
• Health: Complete rehab successfully for 2025 pitching return

Career Trajectory (2025-2033)

Ages 30-39 (Contract Duration):

• Return to two-way play (2025)
• Prime years for both pitching and hitting (2024-2028)
• Potential transition to pitching-focused or hitting-focused role (2029+)
• Multiple championship windows with Dodgers superteam

Hall of Fame Path:
Barring catastrophic injury, Ohtani is a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Even if he never pitches again, his 2021-2023 seasons alone represent unprecedented achievement. If he returns successfully to two-way play, he’ll be considered one of baseball’s greatest players ever.

Potential Legacy Markers

If he achieves:

• ✅ World Series championship
• ✅ 300+ career home runs
• ✅ 1,000+ career strikeouts (as pitcher)
• ✅ 3+ MVP awards
• ✅ 5+ elite two-way seasons

Then: Argument for greatest player in baseball history becomes legitimate.

Conclusion: The Ohtani Effect

Shohei Ohtani hasn’t just revived the two-way player—he’s proven it can be done at a Hall of Fame level in the modern game. His $700 million contract reflects not just his on-field value (which alone would justify it), but his transformative impact on baseball globally.

Key Takeaways:

• Only elite two-way player in 100+ years
• 2x unanimous MVP (first player ever)
• Largest contract in sports history ($700M)
• Averaged 9.6 WAR over last 3 seasons
• Changed how baseball evaluates talent and versatility

The young player from rural Japan who filled notebooks with his father, who refused to choose between pitching and hitting, who ignored every doubter—he didn’t just make the impossible possible. He made it look routine.

And the best part? At age 29, we haven’t seen his final chapter yet.

Sources: MLB.com, Baseball-Reference.com, ESPN, FanGraphs, official team announcements