Shohei Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers after the 2023 season, marking the largest deal in professional sports history. The Japanese-born athlete achieved international prominence through a rare two-way career as both a pitcher and designated hitter, drawing comparisons to early baseball pioneers through his statistical dominance in Major League Baseball.
Early Development in Japan
Born on July 5, 1994, in Mizusawa, Ohtani attended Oshu City Anetai Elementary School and Ōshū City Mizusawa-Minami Junior High School. He later enrolled at Hanamaki Higashi High School, graduating in 2013. During his teenage years, he demonstrated athletic versatility, competing as a swimmer while developing his baseball skills under coach Hiroshi Sasaki. By age 18, Ohtani recorded a 99 mph fastball during the Japanese national high school baseball championship tournament.
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Selected by the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in the 2012 NPB draft, Ohtani played for the organization from 2013 through 2017. The team permitted him to pursue a two-way role, a decision that aligned with his professional goals. During his tenure, he won the 2016 Japan Series. He wore the number 11 jersey, previously utilized by Yu Darvish, and gained experience as both an outfielder and a pitcher.
Major League Career Transitions
Ohtani signed with the Los Angeles Angels, winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 2018. His production escalated in 2021, when he secured his first American League Most Valuable Player Award and the Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award. In 2022, he became the first player in the modern era to qualify for both hitting and pitching leaderboards in a single season. Following his move to the Los Angeles Dodgers, he recorded 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in 2024, becoming a member of the 50–50 club.
Awards and Recognition
Ohtani has earned numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Edgar Martínez Award in 2021 and 2023. He received the Silver Slugger Award in 2023 and 2024. Furthermore, he was recognized as the Associated Press Athlete of the Year in 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025. His performance at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he led Team Japan to a championship victory, earned him tournament MVP honors.
Fast facts
- Born: 1994, Mizusawa, Japan
- Professional Debut: 2013
- Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player: 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025
- 2023 Contract Value: $700 million
- Languages: Japanese, English, Spanish
- High School: Hanamaki Higashi High School
Questions readers ask
What is the Ohtani/Fujinami generation?
Did Ohtani play in the 2025 World Series?
Yes, Ohtani captured back-to-back championships, winning the 2025 World Series after being named the 2025 NLCS MVP.
Achievements
- Associated Press Athlete of the Year
- Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award
- League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award
- 2012 18U Baseball World Championship