Shohei Ohtani to Make History with MLB Record-Breaking $65 Million in 2023

MLB: Spring Training-Los Angeles Dodgers at Los Angeles Angels — Mar 28, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) is greeted after scoring a run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Shohei Ohtani, the two-way star of the Los Angeles Angels, is estimated to make an MLB record-breaking amount of $65 million in the upcoming season based on a one-year extension worth $30 million and his off-the-field earnings of $35 million, according to Forbes. Sportrac reported his prior two-year deal was $8.5 million in total, so he was earning $4.25 million annually. His global popularity has risen due to his marketability in Japan and the United States with thirteen partnerships including Kowa, Seiko Watch, Boss, Fanatics, and Topps.

In the past few months, Ohtani has secured agreements with Kose, a Japanese cosmetics company, and New Balance, a Boston-based apparel brand. New Balance is prepared to clothe and promote Ohtani across the globe, with a focus on Japan and a collection of lifestyle footwear. ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian recently estimated that Ohtani’s next contract could be worth more than $500 million.

World Baseball Classic success

Nicknamed ‘Shotime’, two-way star Shohei Ohtani was instrumental in Japan’s success at the 2021 Major League Baseball World Baseball Classic. He earned MVP honors after batting .435 and posting a 1.86 ERA throughout the tournament. The Los Angeles Angels’ ace also sent shockwaves through the sport when he struck out his teammate and fellow Angels star, Mike Trout, to ensure Japan took home its third WBC title, building on their previous titles in 2006 and 2009.

The Japanese ace is booked to go to the mound for the Angels once more at the start of the season on Thursday in a matchup against the Athletics in Oakland. He had a stellar year in 2022, racking up 15 wins, a 2.33 ERA, 28 starts, 166.0 innings pitched, and 219 strikeouts, which were all personal bests.

The top five highest-paid players in 2023, as reported by Forbes, are Max Scherzer of the Mets, Aaron Judge of the Yankees, Justin Verlander of the Mets, Mike Trout of the Angels, and Ohtani, also of the Angels.