Shohei Ohtani: MLB’s Highest-Paid Player for 2023
For the 2023 Major League Baseball season, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels is projected to be the highest-paid player, according to Forbes’ annual list. Ohtani is a 28-year-old two-way star who can pitch and hit at a high level.
Ohtani is set to earn $30 million on the field and $35 million from endorsements, bringing his total earnings to $65 million this season. This makes him the highest-earning player in the league, surpassing reigning MVP Aaron Judge.
Max Scherzer of the New York Mets comes in at second place, earning $58 million on the field and $1 million off the field. Judge, on the other hand, is third on the list, pocketing $44.5 million on the field and $4.5 million from endorsements.
The Japanese star’s popularity around the globe has significantly increased his annual earnings. Ohtani has struck deals with thirteen companies, including partnerships in Japan with pharmaceuticals company Kowa and Seiko Watch, and Fanatics and Topps in the US. He also recently signed a long-term footwear and apparel deal with New Balance in January.
Ohtani signed a one-year, $30 million contract extension with Los Angeles last October to avoid arbitration. However, he will be a free agent after the 2023 season, and he is expected to be highly sought after. Ohtani won the 2021 Most Valuable Player award and most recently helped Japan win the World Baseball Classic. He received MVP honors in the tournament.
Last season, Ohtani hit 34 home runs for 95 RBIs in 157 games while posting a 2.33 ERA in 28 starts as a pitcher. His undeniable talent on both ends of the field has made him one of the brightest stars in MLB, and his future earnings are bound to skyrocket as his career progresses.