Dave Roberts ‘Very Surprised’ Shohei Ohtani’s Record Contract Already Broken

The Los Angeles Dodgers made history when they signed Shohei Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million contract during the 2023 offseason. As the largest contract in MLB history, it set a new benchmark for the league, as well as for professional sports at large. Ohtani’s dual ability as both a pitcher and hitter made him a once-in-a-generation talent. But now, just one year later, his record-breaking contract has already been eclipsed by Juan Soto’s deal with the New York Mets. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts admits he was shocked at how quickly Ohtani’s record was surpassed, reflecting the ongoing evolution of baseball’s financial landscape.

Shohei Ohtani’s Contract: A Historic Deal for a Unique Talent

When Ohtani signed his deal, many believed it was a once-in-a-lifetime contract, driven by his unprecedented abilities. Ohtani’s performance had already earned him two unanimous American League MVP Awards, making him the most dominant player in baseball at the time. He was the only player in modern MLB history to excel as both a hitter and a pitcher, creating a perfect storm of value that led the Dodgers to offer him the largest contract in MLB history.

Despite Ohtani’s delayed return to pitching due to his second Tommy John surgery, his market value remained unscathed. The Dodgers, banking on his return to form, offered him a contract that would also make him the highest-paid player in all sports. This deal, valued at $700 million for 10 years, marked the end of an era for baseball contracts and was expected to stand for years to come.

Juan Soto’s Record-Breaking Deal with the Mets

However, just one year after Ohtani’s landmark contract, Juan Soto’s deal with the Mets shattered the previous record. Soto signed a 15-year, $765 million contract, surpassing Ohtani’s deal by a substantial margin. Not only is it the largest contract in MLB history, but it also has the potential to grow even more lucrative. The Mets have a clause in Soto’s contract that allows them to boost his salary to $55 million annually in the final years, pushing the deal’s total value to an eye-watering $805 million.

Dave Roberts expressed his surprise at how quickly Ohtani’s record was broken. In an interview with Sports Hochi, he revealed, “No, I didn’t. I think it was one of those, just getting Ohtani seemed like it was going to be just the biggest coup, which it was. I really didn’t let my head go to 40-40, let alone 50-50. I thought about winning the World Series, but just kind of what he accomplished on the field.” He continued, “I certainly didn’t see that happening, period. Very surprised. I think like all of us.”

The Mets and Yankees Rivalry: Soto’s Move and its Implications

The Mets’ decision to outbid their crosstown rivals, the New York Yankees, for Soto’s services adds another layer of intrigue to this record-breaking deal. After the Mets fell short of a World Series title, their aggressive moves in free agency were designed to bolster their lineup, including securing a star like Soto. This contract not only positions Soto as the highest-paid player in MLB history but signals the Mets’ commitment to dominating the league over the next decade and beyond.

The Changing Landscape of MLB Contracts

The rapid surpassing of Ohtani’s contract highlights the shifting dynamics of MLB contracts. With inflation driving up salaries and owners willing to spend more to acquire elite talent, baseball’s financial ecosystem is evolving. Ohtani’s deal seemed unbreakable when it was signed, but Soto’s contract proves that MLB teams are not afraid to push the boundaries of what’s possible when pursuing long-term success.

As the MLB salary cap remains nonexistent, it has created an environment where teams can continuously top one another’s offers to secure top-tier talent. The financials surrounding Ohtani and Soto mark a new era in baseball, where the lines between what’s “possible” and “impossible” in terms of player contracts are constantly being redefined.

Shohei Ohtani’s Delayed Return and Its Impact on the Dodgers

While the Ohtani contract saga has been groundbreaking, the reality of his delayed return to pitching in 2025 is another storyline that cannot be overlooked. Ohtani had hoped to return to the mound by the start of the 2025 season, but reports have indicated that this is no longer the case. The Dodgers plan to have Ohtani resume pitching by May 2025, a timeline influenced by both his shoulder surgery and an innings limit. The team wants to avoid the risk of overworking Ohtani early in the season, ensuring that he doesn’t require another shutdown period later.

For the Dodgers, Ohtani’s pitching return is one of the most anticipated events in the sport. Once Ohtani is back to his full form, he will add a level of dominance that could push the Dodgers to the top of the standings once again. However, with the record-breaking nature of his contract, the Dodgers’ expectations for Ohtani’s two-way contributions are sky-high.

The Future of MLB Contracts: What’s Next?

Looking ahead, it’s clear that the MLB landscape is evolving, with record contracts and bold moves by franchises like the Mets showing that money is no longer a significant limitation for teams trying to secure talent. Ohtani and Soto’s contracts represent the peak of MLB spending, but as the years go on, there will likely be even more unprecedented deals that push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of sports contracts.

For now, both Ohtani and Soto’s contracts are rewriting the playbook on MLB player compensation, and this dramatic shift is one that could affect how future stars are valued.

Conclusion: MLB’s Future is Financially Boundless

The quick surpassing of Shohei Ohtani’s record contract by Juan Soto demonstrates that the financial landscape of MLB has shifted significantly. As teams continue to invest heavily in top talent, it will be interesting to see if Ohtani’s contract can remain the benchmark for years to come, or if more franchises will challenge it with even larger offers. The Mets have set a new precedent, and with more megastars emerging, the future of MLB contracts is wide open.