It’s “Shotime” at the Ravine. Today, the Los Angeles Dodgers held a press conference introducing their latest signing to the organization, Shohei Ohtani.
After weeks of meetings with numerous MLB teams and baseball fans patiently waiting where the two-time American League MVP would end up, Ohtani made his decision known Saturday, Dec. 9, through an Instagram post, revealing the Dodgers would be the team he’ll be playing for.
Securing one of, if not the most, richest contracts in professional sports, Ohtani inked a 10 year, $700 deal with the Dodgers. The Japanese phenom, who pitches and bats as a designated hitter, will move across town and swap divisions from the Los Angeles Angels, whom he played for the last five years.
“His ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball is something so unique,” says Andrew Friedman, the president of baseball operations for the Dodgers. “But no doubt, is incredibly inspirational to kids around the world.”
With the addition of Ohtani to an already fearsome batting lineup, the Dodgers once again look to be contenders for another World Series championship. Despite not being able to pitch this upcoming season, Ohtani looks to provide support for the team offensively, at the start of spring training. “I can’t wait to join the Dodgers,” Ohtani says during the press conference. “They share the same passion as me, a vision, and are all about winning. And I share all the same values.”
To watch the full press conference, click here.
