Newly signed Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani said Thursday the fact the team is a perennial playoff contender lined up perfectly with his desire to win and played a major role in the choice of his new MLB home.
Formally introduced by the Dodgers in a news conference at Dodger Stadium, Ohtani said there are many reasons why he chose to sign his record $700 million, 10-year deal, but the ownership group's lofty standards were key.
"When I had the meeting with the Dodgers, the ownership group, they said when they look back at the last 10 years, even though they made the playoffs every single year, (and got) one World Series win, they consider that a failure," Ohtani said through translator Ippei Mizuhara.
"When I heard that, I knew that they were all about winning and that's exactly how I feel, so that's one of the things that stood out."
Ohtani had not spoken to the media since Aug. 9, with his only television appearance coming when the 29-year-old appeared on an MLB Network program upon earning his second unanimous American League MVP award on Nov. 16. A press conference planned for the same day was canceled, with the hype around his free agency decision approaching fever pitch.
Ohtani's contract, announced Monday by the Dodgers, allows 97 percent of his salary to be deferred without interest and will not be fully paid until 2043.
Ohtani said his sacrifice will be worth it if it helps the Dodgers sign better players to build a stronger team around him.
"I do prioritize winning. That was on the top of my list and that will probably never change. That's one of the reasons why I chose this team," Ohtani said.
Ohtani joins the Dodgers after six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels.
In 2023, Ohtani led the AL with 44 home runs and a 1.066 on-base plus slugging percentage, while posting a 10-5 record with a 3.14 ERA in 23 starts as a pitcher.
He accomplished all that after leading Japan to its third World Baseball Classic title in March.
