In addition to his on-field ability, new Los Angeles Dodgers recruit Shohei Ohtanihas won over teammates and fans with his kind and team-oriented demeanor.
Ohtani won hearts by giving pitcher Joe Kelly’s wife a car before he ever took the field for the Dodgers. Kelly had pushed for the organization to sign him. Ohtani also gave Kelly his No. 17 jersey as a token of his gratitude.
Even though Ohtani signed a seven hundred million dollar megacontract that is structured to pay just two million dollars in compensation over ten years, the Dodgers have been able to add major players thanks to Ohtani’s team-first mentality.
When he gave Dodgers prospect Kendall Williams his autographed New Balance spikes, his popularity among teammates skyrocketed.
The 23-year-old pitcher increased Ohtani’s status as a cherished teammate by posting about the touching experience on Instagram.
Ohtani’s pay
With a salary of just two million dollars, Ohtani is projected to be one of the lowest paid Dodgers players in 2024.
Mookie Betts, who makes almost $30 million a year, and Freddie Freeman, who makes $27 million, will be the team’s highest paid players.
Although Ohtani won’t be the lowest paid player on the team—some rookies who make the league minimum haven’t even joined yet—his kindness and team spirit have made him a notable character in the Dodgers organization.