The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani last offseason to a record-breaking 10-year contract worth $700 million that was uniquely structured to benefit both parties.

Ohtani deferred all but $20 million of the total value until the end of his contract so the Dodgers could have maximum flexibility in building their roster around him.

LA went on to sign the likes of Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Teoscar Hernández in free agency, while also acquiring Tyler Glasnow and giving him a long-term contract extension. The Dodgers later brought in Jack Flaherty, Tommy Edman and Michael Kopech at the July 30 trade deadline, all of whom made key contributions.

Dodgers principal owner Mark Walter is happy that Ohtani has reached the postseason for the first time with the team, via Dylan Hernández of the LA Times:

While holding a beer himself, Walter said of Ohtani, “I’m so happy we were able to talk him out of never going to the playoffs again and going to the World Series.”

Walter believed that the Dodgers had a responsibility to Ohtani to put the best team on the field after making a significant financial sacrifice:

“That was what Shohei did to help us make sure we put the best team on the field around him,” Walter said. “I felt we owed it to him to do the best we could and get him there.”

The Dodgers overcame a 2-1 deficit to defeat the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series and have since eliminated the New York Mets to capture another pennant.

The Dodgers are now four wins away from beating the New York Yankees to deliver another World Series title to Los Angeles.

Ohtani hasn’t had to fully carry the team in October, but it may be more necessary if he hopes to win a championship in his first postseason experience.

Shohei Ohtani is one of the finalists of the 2024 Players Choice Awards

Ohtani enjoyed a historic first season with the Dodgers as he hit .310/.390/.646 with 38 doubles, seven triples, 54 home runs, 130 RBI and 59 stolen bases in 159 games.

Ohtani is now among the finalists for two 2024 Players Choice Awards.

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