Shohei Ohtani’s recent agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers has become the hot topic of conversation in the world of Major League Baseball. However, there is speculation as to whether Ohtani will actually fulfill his newly signed 10-year, $700 million contract. What sets this contract apart is not only the fact that the Japanese superstar will defer all but $2 million of his $70 million annual salary until after the contract concludes, but also the inclusion of a unique clause that could provide him an exit strategy if certain circumstances arise within the organization.
According to ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez, an email detailing the terms of the deal was circulated among MLB agents and the MLBPA. This email revealed that Ohtani has the option to opt out of the contract if there are changes in the team’s ownership or baseball operations leadership. The email stated, “if specific change in Dodger personnel, Player may opt out of contract at end of season the change occurs.” Multiple sources have confirmed that this “specific change” refers to either owner Mark Walter or president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman departing from their positions.
Although it is highly unlikely that Friedman or Walter will leave the organization in the near future, this clause introduces a potential complication. Many fans had speculated that Walter would sell the team before having to pay Ohtani the deferred money that he is owed, which is set to begin in 2033. However, if Walter were to sell the team prior to that date, Ohtani would have the option to leave the Dodgers entirely. Nonetheless, the Dodgers would still be responsible for the deferred money accumulated during Ohtani’s tenure with the team.
This additional aspect adds yet another layer to an undeniably unprecedented contract granted to arguably the most influential player in the game.
According to the Source brobible.com