Experts Declared! Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani: “In ’24, I’ll win the quadruple crown with 60 home runs and 40 stolen bases”.

10 years at 101.8 billion yen is a bargain!

The Dodgers, after all.

As expected by the Japanese and U.S. sports media and most baseball fans, Shohei Ohtani, 29, will be playing in a blue uniform.

What I didn’t expect was the price. It had been said that Ohtani would sign a contract worth between $500 million and $600 million, the highest in major league history.

However, when the lid was opened, it turned out to be a 10-year contract worth a total of $700 million (approx. ¥101.8 billion), the “highest in sports history. Ohtani is a man who always goes far beyond our imagination.

Due to right elbow surgery performed at the end of this season, Otani will be a full-time hitter next season. The Dodgers’ batting lineup is lined up with strong hitters such as Mookie Betts (31), the A-League MVP fielder in 2006, and Freddie Freeman (34), the National League MVP in 2008.

There will be fewer cases of late-inning chances to avoid the game, as has been the case this season, and there is a strong possibility that the number of runs scored and home runs hit will increase. Former major leaguer Keiichi Yabu said.

The fact that they are based in Los Angeles, just like their old team, the Angels, is also highly regarded. Since he doesn’t have to change his living environment, it will be easier for him and his staff to get used to the new location. The primary surgeon for his elbow surgery is the Dodgers’ team doctor, so his rehabilitation as a pitcher is also assured.

Otani, a hitter, should hit at least 50 runs next season, or 60 if he is in good form. His batting average and runs batted in will also increase, and he has a good shot at the triple crown. He will not have to think about conserving energy when he pitches, so it would not be surprising if he wins the stolen base crown.

It’s a pipe dream, but Otani could do it, and that’s what makes him so great.

From the December 29, 2023 issue of FRIDAY