Newly signed Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani said Thursday the fact the team is a perennial playoff contender lined up perfectly with his desire to win and played a major role in the choice of his new MLB home.
Formally introduced by the Dodgers in a news conference at Dodger Stadium, Ohtani said there are many reasons why he chose to sign his record $700 million, 10-year deal, but the ownership group's lofty standards were key.
"When I had the meeting with the Dodgers, the ownership group, they said when they look back at the last 10 years, even though they made the playoffs every single year, (and got) one World Series win, they consider that a failure," Ohtani said through translator Ippei Mizuhara.
"When I heard that, I knew that they were all about winning and that's exactly how I feel, so that's one of the things that stood out."
The Dodgers clinched the National League West title in 2023 for the 10th time in 11 seasons.
Ohtani had not spoken to the media since Aug. 9, with his only television appearance coming when the 29-year-old appeared on an MLB Network program upon earning his second unanimous American League MVP award on Nov. 16.
A press conference planned for the same day was canceled, with the hype around his free agency decision approaching fever pitch.
"Shohei is arguably the most talented player who's ever played this game," said Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers' president of baseball operations.
"His ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball is something so unique, but no doubt, incredibly inspirational to kids all over the world."
Ohtani's contract, announced Monday by the Dodgers, allows 97 percent of his salary to be deferred without interest and will not be fully paid until 2043.
Ohtani said his sacrifice will be worth it if it helps the Dodgers sign better players to build a stronger team around him.
"I do prioritize winning. That was on the top of my list and that will probably never change. That's one of the reasons why I chose this team," said Ohtani, who wore a suit with a Dodger blue tie before donning his new jersey.
Ohtani joins the Dodgers after six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, who last made the postseason in 2014.
The Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants were among the teams in the Ohtani sweepstakes.
Ohtani, however, refused to name the other teams that were involved in negotiations, while dodging questions about whether he had a second Tommy John surgery.
"At the time of the announcement, we didn't know which way we were going to go. That's why I never said what type of procedure was going to be done," Ohtani said of the elbow surgery in September.
"I'm obviously not an expert in the medical field, but it was a procedure. I'm not sure what it's called, I know it was completely different from my first time, so I don't know what to call it. You could probably talk to my doctor about that."
Ohtani is expected to concentrate on being a designated hitter from the start of the 2024 season before returning to pitch again in 2025.
Asked if he can DH from the Dodgers' season-opening series in Seoul against the San Diego Padres on March 20 and 21, Ohtani said, "I've been taking dry hacks, or dry swings, the last week, so I'm on a really good pace to be ready for Opening Day."
In 2023, Ohtani led the AL with 44 home runs and a 1.066 on-base plus slugging percentage, while posting a 10-5 record with a 3.14 ERA in 23 starts as a pitcher.
He accomplished all that after leading Japan to its third World Baseball Classic title in March.
Ohtani will wear No. 17, the same number he wore with the Angels, after veteran reliever Joe Kelly gave up the number for the incoming star and switched to No. 99.
The hype surrounding Ohtani's move to the Dodgers is already generating big bucks. According to U.S. media, Ohtani set a new record for the most jersey sales in a 48-hour period, beating the likes of football stars Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields.
Related coverage:
Baseball: Ohtani mentor Kuriyama sees more landmarks for new Dodger
Baseball: Long road brings Shohei Ohtani to Dodgers at the right time
Baseball: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers agree to record $700 million, 10-year deal
