Mar 30, 2023 - Sports

Baseball's top earners: Ohtani leads the way

Jeff Tracy

Photo illustration of Shohei Ohtani sitting on a bundle of cash — Photo Illustration: Trent Joaquin. Photo: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Shohei Ohtani will make an estimated $70 million dollars this year both on and off the field, as he attempts to lead the Los Angeles Angels to their first playoff berth since 2014.

Why it matters: That's a record for Major League Baseball players, per Sportico, topping Max Scherzer's $59 million in 2022.

By the numbers: Ohtani will make $40 million off endorsements alone from partners in the U.S. and Japan — including New Balance, Fanatics and Seiko.

That's six times more endorsement money than any other baseball player will earn this year. Bryce Harper is the closest with $7 million.
Then there's Ohtani's $30 million salary, which is the most ever for an arbitration-eligible player.

Looking ahead: Ohtani could become baseball's first $500 million man when he hits free agency next offseason. All signs point to him breaking teammate Mike Trout's record for the largest contract in MLB history (12 years, $426.5 million).

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Baseball's top earners: Ohtani leads the way

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