"$120M they made off Shohei Ohtani last year" - MLB analyst explains how Dodgers capitalized on their star player's endorsements
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is the face of the sport. He has amassed an international fanbase, bringing more eyes to the game of baseball than ever before.
Ohtani also makes a ton of money for the sport and the brands that endorse him. He is the highest-paid player in terms of endorsement deals, raking in an estimated $65 million in earnings, according to Sportico.
On a recent airing of Foul Territory, MLB analyst A.J. Pierzynski detailed just how much the star allegedly made his big-market club.
"$120 million was what I was told yesterday. $120 million they just made off [Shohei Ohtani]. They paid him $2 million this year. They made $120 million," said Pierzynski.
The money generated comes from things like increased revenue from sponsorships, jersey sales, and increased viewership. While they made him the highest-earning player in the sport, the Dodgers are seemingly getting their money's worth.
"You're telling me the Giants don't go out and sign [Juan] Soto? They can't sell a million jerseys of Juan Soto in orange and black? Halloween time, right? You go out and do this," said Pierzynski.
"Now, I don't know how true this number was, but I was told from a pretty reliable person -- $120 million they made off Shohei Ohtani last year in endorsements, sponsorships, whatever you want to call them," said Pierzynski.
Shohei Ohtani's endorsements could get bigger after his return to being a two-way player next season for the Dodgers
Shohei Ohtani had another magical season in 2024. He was an enigma at the plate, but he did not step on the mound at all this past season while recovering from UCL surgery.
However, he was on a throwing program this past season and was spotted multiple times working in the bullpen. All signs point to him returning to the mound next season, which should be exciting.
Ohtani's return to the mound could spell disaster for opposing teams. They already have a rotation that consists of Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow. Adding Ohtani to that could make for one of the best rotations in the league.