NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Los Angeles Angels and Shohei Ohtani are watching the 2022-23 MLB offseason unfold and while one party is happy, the other is living in fear. With teams throwing big money and years at players left and right, the Angels must be shaking in their cleats from the realization they’re up next.
P/OF, Shohei Ohtani is set to become a free agent in 2024 and he’s sure to be paid the largest contract in MLB history. For those saying there’s no way, let’s look at what has happened this offseason. Trae Turner and Aaron Judge both signed deals for over $300M. Yes, they also signed for 9+ years each but that market alone for hitters is amazing. It’s also pricey for ball clubs. On the pitching side, Jacob deGrom and Carlos Rodon both are signed to the tune of over $160M each. Pitchers are being paid hefty as well. Now, that leaves Shanti Ohtani.
What makes his case super special is that he’s in MVP and Cy Young voting. Let’s look at his 2022 numbers. While on the mound, Ohtani went 15-9 in 28 starts while compiling 166 innings pitched, 43 Earned Runs, 44 Walks, and 219 Strikeouts with an ERA of 2.33. To add more salt to the wound for the Angels, Ohtani finished 4th in Cy Young voting.
Before we go any further, let’s glance at a few pitching categories compared to some big-name players with huge contacts. Rodon just inked a deal with the New York Yankees that will pay him $27M per season. But looking over the top categories, his name pops up at the top only in Strikeouts compared to Ohtani. So, is Rodon worth more than Ohtani? The same goes for deGrom. He was a valuable pitcher for the New York Mets but can he stay healthy?
On the batter side of the coin, Ohanti has continued to show strides. This offseason, hitters got paid. The Philadelphia Phillies signed Turner to a massive 11-year $300M contract while Judge walked away with a 9-year $360M deal. Judge is the HR and RBI king and his deal was expected. However, when looking at Turner and Ohtani, it’s safe to say that the Los Angeles Angels should be sweating bricks.
It’s Time To Pay Shohei Ohtani What He’s Worth
In 2022, Ohanti hit .273 with 160 hits, 95 RBI, 34 HRs, 72 walks, and 586 At Bats in 157 games. The Angels did not have the same offense that was found on the Yankees or the Los Angeles Dodgers and yet, there was Ohtani. If Turner and Xander Bogaerts (11-$280) can garner that type of money with less production, where does that leave Shohei Ohtani next offseason?
He’s currently being paid $30M for next season but when you break that down, it averages out to $15M per for his pitching and another $15M for his hitting. Right now, the Los Angels Angles are getting a bargain for his services. $30M for an All-Star Pitcher and OF at the age of 30 in today’s market is a complete steal. But it won’t last long.
How many two-way players are there in MLB? Ohtani is a rare breed. Not only can he deliver on the field, but he delivers off as well. He’s an international star. He’s a ticket draw no matter where he goes. What Ohtani will need to take into consideration is team success. The money will be good but does he want to win? The Los Angeles Angels have not made the postseason since his arrival and that could be a major selling point for a winning team.
As far as money goes, teams will need to pay him based on what he brings to the table. If Turner and Bogaerts are being paid $25M per season and deGrom and Rodon are being paid in the $27-30M range, then why should Ohtani take anything less on a combined salary?
Since top pitchers are paid this much and top hitters are paid this much, Ohtani should be paid as a top pitcher and hitter. By all accounts, he should see an average of at least $50M per year. At that price, a team will need to offer a contract of 10 years which will equal to $500M over the length. Is he worth that? In all fairness, it’s not his agent being greedy, it’s just where the market is right now.
He’s done everything to say that he deserves Turner money. He’s done more than enough to say that he deserves Rodon money. Shohei Ohtani is dominant on the Mound and in the Box. Pay him what he deserves. Talent like this doesn’t come around that often. Pay that man.
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