If the Los Angeles Angels want to keep Shohei Ohtani, they are going to need to pay. His two year extension for a combined $8.5 million is over after this season, and despite having another year of arbitration eligibility left, Ohtani’s salary is set to skyrocket.
Those dollar signs will only increase should he reach free agency. Ohtani is a player unlike any that has been seen in the game for generations, a solid top of the rotation arm and a middle of the order power bat rolled into one. Not only will other teams covet him on the open market, but the Angels desperately would like to keep him for the long term.
Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani could get record deal
It is going to be costly for the Angels to do so. According to Ken Rosenthal, the Angels have already reached out to Ohtani’s representatives as to what the framework for an extension would look like. Their response was that they were looking for a record deal, surpassing Max Scherzer and the $43.333 million he is receiving each year.
There is certainly a case to be made for that contract. Scherzer is one of the best pitchers in baseball when he is healthy, but Ohtani could be in the next tier. He is also an all around threat in the lineup, mixing incredible power and impressive speed as he gives the Angels a dynamic weapon.
Ohtani would likely be looking at approximately $25 million, if not more, per year as a pitcher. While his being strictly a designated hitter hurts his earning capacity offensively, he would still receive a hefty payday strictly as a DH as well. Combining the two could put him at over $40 million per year.
Add in the fact that Ohtani is in his prime, and may only improve, and it is very easy to make the case that he should get more than Scherzer. His price tag will likely only increase if he ends up on the open market and teams begin bidding for his services. If that happens, it would not be a shock to see Ohtani become the majors’ first $50 million per year player.
The Los Angeles Angels would love to keep Shohei Ohtani for the long term. However, they will need to pay if he is going to sign a long term deal.