On December 11, 2023, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani to a huge 10-year contract. Then, on December 22, 2023, the Dodgers added another key Japanese player when the inked pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Both were key signings this offseason.

Both deals are groundbreaking. Ohtani joined the Dodgers on a record-breaking $700 million, 10-year deal. The deal is a blockbuster, surpassing all other free-agent contracts in MLB history. It’s also a historic moment because Ohtani now becomes the cornerstone player for the Dodgers; and, he brings his exceptional two-way talents to the team in a deal that could reshape Major League Baseball (MLB). 

Yamamoto’s contract is also immense. It’s for 12 years and totals $325 million. This contract is also historic because it’s the largest ever awarded to a pitcher in the Major Leagues.

Shohei Ohtani’s Monumental Move Sets Up Global Growth for the Dodgers

Ohtani’s 10-year contract with the Dodgers is a historic moment in MLB, emphasizing the team’s commitment to building around this extraordinary talent. This long-term deal makes Ohtani the cornerstone of the Dodgers’ lineup for the next decade. The salary numbers are astronomical. 

In Ohtani’s six-season tenure with the Los Angeles Angels, he showcased his stellar performance both as a hitter and a pitcher. He’s put up career totals of a .274 batting average, a .366 on-base percentage, and a .556 slugging percentage. He’s also hit 171 home runs. As a pitcher, he has put up a 38-19 record with a 3.01 earned-run-average (ERA) on the mound. 

As one can see, Ohtani brings a multi-faceted skill set to the Dodgers.

The Dodgers’ Mark Walter’s acknowledged Ohtani’s historic achievements highlights the global impact expected from this signing. Ohtani joins a legacy of Japanese-born players in the Dodgers’ tradition, emphasizing the team’s longstanding connection with Japan and its commitment to excellence.

With Ohtani’s signing, the Dodgers are certainly interested in what he can bring to the field when he plays. However, the signing is about more than his on-field performance. It’s also about the club’s strategic growth. The Dodgers hope to capitalize on his global appeal, expanding the fanbase for Major League Baseball. Ohtani’s unique talents position the Dodgers for success on multiple fronts.

Yamamoto’s Historic Deal:

In signing Yamamoto, the Dodgers got another sought-after international star and yet another Japanese player. As noted, in signing the Japanese pitcher to a record-breaking 12-year, $325 million contract, the Dodgers once more signal their strategic pursuit of international talent. Yamamoto was highly sought after and garnered significant interest from several MLB teams.

That the Dodgers signed another huge star sets the team up as frontrunners in getting the best of the best – all premier players.

Yamamoto was a dominant pitcher in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league. His remarkable 2023 season with the Orix Buffaloes saw him put up a 1.16 ERA, 0.86 WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched), and an impressive 176:28 K: BB [the ratio of strikeouts (K) to walks (BB)] over 171 innings. The Dodgers are counting on his success overseas to make him a high-impact addition to the Dodgers’ pitching rotation.

Although he’s never pitched in the MLB, the historic 12-year deal reflects the Dodgers’ confidence that Yamamoto has the potential and ability to transition seamlessly to North America. 

The Bottom Line for the Dodgers: Ohtani and Yamamoto Are Strategic Signings

The Dodgers’ recent signings of Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani represent the team’s strategic and historic approach to shaping their team’s future over the next decade. 

The Dodgers have done two key things. First, they’ve focused on signing international talent. Second, they’ve committed to their long-term success. If it works, the Dodgers are positioned to become a formidable force in the MLB. The combination of Yamamoto’s pitching prowess and Ohtani’s dual-threat capabilities adds a different dimension to the team. 

Next: Blue Jays Sign Outfielder Kevin Kiermaier to 1-Yr, $10.5 M Deal