The Dodgers have put together a dream offseason so far, and they aren’t even finished yet. But just a few short months after the season ended, the Dodgers added more talent than many expected. Signing both Shohei Ohtani and...
The Dodgers have put together a dream offseason so far, and they aren’t even finished yet. But just a few short months after the season ended, the Dodgers added more talent than many expected.
Signing both Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto to massive contracts, and trading for ace Tyler Glasnow, the Dodgers have flexed their financial muscle. Additionally, they signed Glasnow to a five-year extension, further adding to their long-term financial commitments.
In totality, the team has spent more than $1.16 billion in contractual commitments to these three players alone. They’ve been able to do so in part because of the deferred salary in Ohtani’s contract. By paying Ohtani only $2 million each of the next 10 years in actual salary, L.A. has the opportunity to spend more to build a great team around him.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes gave his thoughts on the massive spending by the team this offseason.
“Obviously it speaks to the commitment our ownership is willing to make and how dedicated they are to bringing championships to the city of Los Angeles. There is a special opportunity here with the talent we’re able to bring on board, and the investment matches that. We’re all really excited and incredibly appreciative of ownership continuing to support us in that front.”
– Dodgers GM Brandon GomesWhile the total outlay seems insane for only three players, it’s over the course of the contract. Glasnow has five years on his deal, Ohtani is signed for 10 seasons and Yamamoto signed a 12-year contract.
The Dodgers won’t be spending the billion in one payment, but rather over time. The money that they will receive from marketing alone, should help pay for the contracts themselves.
This is especially true with Ohtani and Yamamoto, as L.A. is positioned to become the dominant MLB brand of Japan. Signing both players was about more than just what they can produce on the field, but also what they bring to the table off of it.
These signings were investments for the franchise. Marketing experts have suggested Ohtani’s contract could pay for itself down the road based on his international celebrity. The Dodgers are banking on his marketability — and his baseball ability — justifying the long-term investment.
Fortunately for Dodgers fans, Guggenheim Baseball Management has the resources to make these contracts a worthwhile gamble. They have been strategic in saving their resources for the star-studded off-season of 2023-24. Now, the goal is to win multiple World Series during the life of the Ohtani and Yamamoto contracts.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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