Shohei Ohtani is the envy of the sports world after signing a 10-year contract worth $700 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday. That deal makes him the highest-paid athlete in the world, and Ohtani's contract prompted reactions from legends across multiple sports.
Ohtani has passed former Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout for the biggest contract in MLB, and he has jumped international soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo for the biggest contract in all sports. Ohtani will now average $70 million per year for the next decade, and he will do so while playing for one of the most recognizable franchises in American sports.
"This is a unique, historic contract for a unique, historic player. Shohei is thrilled to be a part of the Dodgers organization," Ohtani's agent Nez Balelo said in a statement. "He is excited to begin this partnership, and he structured his contract to reflect a true commitment from both sides to long-term success."
When the details of Ohtani's contract hit social media, few could believe their eyes. That includes Patrick Mahomes, the highest-paid player in the NFL, who had to do a double take when he saw the news.
Here are the best reactions from around the sports world to Ohtani's record-setting $700 million contract.
Dodgers minority owner and NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson
Johnson, like many others in Los Angeles, was thrilled to see Ohtani decide to go from Angel red to Dodger blue. It should also be noted how much bigger contracts have gotten since Johnson was dazzling fans on the court in L.A. The $700 million Ohtani just earned is nearly 20 times the roughly $40 million Johnson made in his entire NBA career.
A big thank you to Shohei for deciding to wear Dodger blue! I know all Dodger fans around the world are extremely happy and excited that you decided to join our organization and we welcome you to Dodger nation! @Dodgers
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 9, 2023
Patrick Mahomes, J.J. Watt can't believe their eyes
Mahomes is the third-highest paid athlete in the world and the richest player in NFL history, but his contract is still $250 million lighter than Ohtani. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback could only tip his hat to Ohtani.
Bro like what! 🤣🤣🤣
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) December 9, 2023
Congrats to him! https://t.co/kIztMnhoUV
J.J. Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, only made about $130 million in his 12 seasons of action. Needless to say, his mind was blown by $700 million.
My goodness.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) December 9, 2023
🤯 https://t.co/I6f6OGnnwH
Freddie Freeman reacts to his new teammate
Ohtani's new teammate, Freddie Freeman, is also very well compensated by the Dodgers. Freeman makes an average of $27 million per year on his $162 million contract, and he is fired up that the team is reloading for yet another run at the World Series.
Freddie Freeman's text to me from his kid's baseball tournament regarding his new teammate:
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) December 9, 2023
"Tell Everyone hello for me and that it's a good day to be a Dodgers fan!"#Ohtani #DodgerTalk @AM570LASports
Best of the rest
I chortled out loud in a shop. Person asked if I was ok.
— Joey Votto (@JoeyVotto) December 9, 2023
700M’s is crazy!! And he deserves every Penny of that too! Sheesh‼️‼️
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) December 9, 2023
Congrats to the best player on Earth. I’ll always remember our battles over the years (1 AB, 1 pitch, he homered) https://t.co/3ohE6W3mUo
— Trevor Hildenberger (@t_hildy) December 9, 2023