That means the market for Ohtani’s services is inherently more limited than the first time around. With a Rookie of the Year award and an MVP on the 29-year-old’s mantle, and another MVP assuredly joining them Thursday, Ohtani is set up to draw the largest total contract in MLB history - a mark currently held by erstwhile teammate Mike Trout’s extension with the Angels ($426.5 million) - despite elbow surgery that will keep him off the mound until 2025. Since then, he has played six seasons in the majors, with the latest three somehow exceeding that winter’s wildest dreams of two-way stardom, yet never reached the postseason. The most sought after man in baseball twice over, Ohtani made the leap from Japan before he could maximize his earnings and chose to join the Los Angeles Angels in a truly leaguewide sweepstakes. Or, more precisely, a new baseball team that suits his excellence. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) (Daniel Shirey via Getty Images)
His status remains the same as he enters as the No.
Shohei Ohtani was the brightest star at this summer's All-Star Game in Seattle.
