How much will LA Angels pitcher Shohei Ohtani, 29, get when he hits free agency.
He has an arm problem that will keep him from pitching this year.안전놀이터 If he has to undergo surgery, he will be out for an even longer period of time. That could be a big factor in his free agency.
Ohtani started and batted second in the first game of the 2023 Major League Baseball doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, USA, on 24 April. He felt discomfort in his right arm after the first inning of the second game.
He was examined and diagnosed with a right ulnar collateral ligament injury. While surgery is still pending, team president Perry Minassian announced that “Ohtani will no longer pitch for the remainder of the season.”
The news of Ohtani became a major story. MLB.com, local media in the U.S., and Japanese media focused on how much Ohtani could be worth when he becomes a free agent.
Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times wrote on social media, “Ohtani’s elbow is damaged. If he undergoes a second Tommy John surgery, it will hurt him immensely in free agency this winter,” he wrote on social media.
MLB.com reported, “Ohtani’s free agency floor is expected to be 10 years, $500 million, but the final number could be well below that. Some believe his chances of becoming a $500 million man are now slim.”
[Photo] Shohei Ohtani (29) of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. ⓒGettyimages (All rights reserved)
“Ohtani is worth $500 million (approx. KRW 66.5 billion) as a free agent as a hitter alone,” said the US media outlet ‘The Athletic’, explaining why: “The New York Yankees gave Aaron Judge nine years and $360 million (approx. KRW 47 billion). But Jersey has no chance of pitching, and Ohtani still has a chance (of pitching).”
However, it’s unclear if Ohtani will ever get back on the mound and do the “two-hitter” thing. According to MLB.com, a National League executive said, “It’s hard to say. I don’t think anybody’s ever seen a guy like him,” said one National League executive, adding, “Now with the injury…” he hedged his words.
Another National League club executive said, “I don’t know if you can pay him long-term with the idea that he can pitch. He’s still a great hitter. He could be a bullpen guy.” However, “his value and uniqueness have taken a big hit,” he said.
If Ohtani were to hit free agency after this season, the length of time he is unable to pitch is expected to have a modest impact on his asking price.
Ohtani had been linked to a potential 10-year, $1 billion deal. However, even if he is able to return to the mound from the 2025 season, it will be difficult for him to pitch in 2024. However, a long-term deal could give the team a “two-hitter. According to MLB.com, an executive with a major league club said, “If you sign him to a longer contract, you can use him for a long time, even if you lose next year.”
It will be interesting to see where Ohtani ends up after the season, under what terms, and when he will begin his “two-hitting” career.
[Photo] Shohei Ohtani (29) of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. ⓒGettyimages (All rights reserved)