Shohei Ohtani Contract & Net Worth: Two-Way Phenom Is Greatly Underpaid

KEY POINTS

Shohei Ohtani signed a two-year contract worth $8.5 million
He is the reigning American League MVP
Ohtani is one of the most underpaid MLB players today

Shohei Ohtani, the pitcher, outfielder and designated hitter for the Major League Baseball (MLB) Los Angeles Angels, has a $10 million net worth. With his successful career, many believe this could likely go up in the coming years.

The two-way Japanese sensation had one of the most incredible seasons in baseball history in 2021 when he received the American League (AL) MVP Award.

In the same year, he signed a two-year pact to avoid arbitration that will see him make just $8.5 million: $3 million for the 2020-21 season and $5.5 million for 2021-22. While this might be massive for some, many believe that the reigning AL MVP is worth more.

Ohtani is the second-most underpaid MLB player today, next to Juan Soto of the Washington Nationals, according to CBS.

Per the outlet, rules governing amateur international free agents hampered Ohtani’s earning potential.

Ohtani had initially asked for $3.3 million for the 2021 season, but the Angels countered with $2.5 million. Instead of going to an arbitration hearing because of Ohtani’s two-way talents, the sides reached a deal.

Ohtani signed with the Angels for a $2.3 million signing bonus in 2017. Ohtani's old team, the Nippon-Ham Fighters, received $20 million as part of their agreement to post him.

Before joining MLB, Ohtani made a name at the Hanamaki Higashi High School when he broke the national high school pitch speed record — 160km/h.

In 2012, Ohtani got drafted by the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters as the number one overall pick in the 2012 Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Pacific League Draft.

He was 2016 Series champion and MVP, a five-time All-Star, and record-holder for the fastest pitch in NPB history at 165km/h.

The Japanese athlete will hit the open market at the conclusion of the 2023 season.