Juan Soto's agent believes Shohei Ohtani is worth more than his $700M Dodgers contract
Baseball super agent Scott Boras believes LA Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is a billion-dollar player. Ohtani signed a record-breaking $700 million deal with LA ahead of the 2024 season that was later eclipsed by Boras' client Juan Soto this offseason by $65 million.
Apart from Soto, Boras also represents Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, who garnered the biggest contract ever handed to a pitcher, two-time NL MVP Bryce Harper, and Astros captain Jose Altuve.
Boras spoke about Ohtani in the most recent episode of "In Depth with Graham Bensinger." The super agent explained why the reigning National League MVP is such a valuable player to have.
"He's a billion-dollar player for sure," said Boras. (9:24) "The global rights of teams are yet to be exhibited and Ohtani is proof of that because he brings Japan, Korea, [and] the Asian market — 200 million people to the regional rights and so he's created something that is unheard of to a sports franchise."
Boras also revealed how close he was to representing Ohtani.
"We never really knew the process, but his parents were delightful people. He was wonderful, very polite, as was his coach and the whole thing. We thought we were very close, but we ended up knowing that his former team (Nippon-Ham Fighters) was directly involved in what the choices were."
"I think I flew 150,000 miles but watching him pitch and throw was well worth the time spent because he's a remarkable baseball talent."
Shohei Ohtani ties Judge and Schwarber for MLB home run lead
After an underwhelming start to the year, reigning National League MVP Shohei Ohtani has slowly regained momentum, tying Yankees captain Aaron Judge and Phillies star Kyle Schwarber for the most home runs this season with 15.
Shohei's towering shot to center field in the fourth inning against the Athletics on Thursday was a part of the 19-2 obliteration by the Dodgers.
The NL MVP finished the game by going 2-for-5 with two home runs, six RBIs, and two runs scored. He now holds a slash line of .310/.409/.673 with an OPS of 1.082, 15 home runs, 29 RBIs, 10 stolen bases, eight doubles and four triples.