The Houston Astros have reportedly signed left-handed reliever Josh Hader to a five-year, $95 million contract, making it the largest deal ever for a relief pitcher in terms of present-day value. The agreement includes no deferrals, $19 million annual salaries, a $1 million bonus for winning the Reliever of the Year Award, a full no-trade clause, and no options for either party. Hader's addition bolsters the Astros' bullpen, which has seen key departures, and forms a formidable trio with Ryan Pressly and Bryan Abreu. The signing puts the Astros over the luxury tax threshold, and they will forfeit draft picks and international bonus pool money due to Hader rejecting a qualifying offer from the Padres.
Mallory Swanson, a striker for the USWNT, has become the NWSL's highest-paid player after signing a record-breaking contract with the Chicago Red Stars worth a reported $2 million, making her the league's top earner. The deal, which includes a fifth-year option, sets an NWSL record for the most long-term contract. Swanson's annual salary of $400,000 surpasses that of previous top earner María Sánchez. The NWSL has also announced a 40% increase in the salary cap to $2.75 million and a landmark four-year media rights deal.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to a 12-year, $325 million contract with Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, breaking the record for the largest sum guaranteed to a Japanese arrival and surpassing Gerrit Cole's contract for the largest deal ever awarded to a pitcher. Yamamoto, described as one of the most talented pitchers on the planet, has dominated Nippon Professional Baseball and is projected to be a big-league staff ace. Despite his smaller frame, Yamamoto's unique pitch characteristics and command have impressed MLB executives. The Dodgers are betting on his potential and are confident in his ability to succeed in the major leagues.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a 12-year, $325 million deal, surpassing Gerrit Cole's record-breaking contract. Yamamoto, a three-time winner of Japan's Cy Young Award, was highly sought after by several big market teams. The Dodgers' signing of Yamamoto follows their earlier blockbuster deal with Shohei Ohtani, bringing their total commitment to over a billion dollars for just two players.
Shohei Ohtani, the highly sought-after free agent in baseball history, has agreed to a groundbreaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The deal, the largest in the history of major North American team sports, surpasses previous records set by Aaron Judge, Mike Trout, and Patrick Mahomes. Ohtani, known for his exceptional pitching and hitting abilities, will have the opportunity to compete for collective success with the Dodgers, who have a strong track record of winning. However, questions remain about his future as he recovers from a second Tommy John surgery and his commitment to both pitching and hitting.
Shohei Ohtani, the highly talented two-way player, has signed a 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, breaking MLB records for total value and average annual value in a contract. The deal includes unprecedented deferrals to mitigate financial burdens. Ohtani will start as a designated hitter in his first season with the Dodgers due to an elbow procedure, with plans to return to pitching in 2025. Despite his exceptional skills, concerns remain about his ability to stay healthy as he enters his 30s.
Shohei Ohtani, the two-way star, will sign a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, making it the largest contract in baseball history. Ohtani, who spent six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, announced his decision on Instagram, expressing his gratitude to the Angels and their fans. The Dodgers are now the favorites to win the World Series following Ohtani's signing. Ohtani, the first player to be named unanimous MVP multiple times, has excelled as both a pitcher and a hitter, defying conventionality. Despite concerns about his ability to bounce back as a pitcher, Ohtani's unique skill set and marketability attracted numerous teams during the offseason, with the Dodgers ultimately securing his services.
Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Angels two-way star, is expected to sign an enormous and historic contract in free agency. With no precedent for Ohtani's unique profile as both a hitter and pitcher, industry insiders predict he could fetch over $500 million, potentially becoming the highest-paid athlete in any major American pro sports league. The contract is likely to include opt-out clauses, allowing Ohtani to re-enter the market if he's dissatisfied. If Ohtani's contract exceeds $500 million, he would shatter MLB records for both total value and average annual value.
Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar for the Los Angeles Angels, is expected to sign a contract that will make him the highest-paid baseball player of all time, projected to earn over $500 million. Ohtani's unique talent as both a pitcher and hitter has revolutionized the game and increased interest in baseball worldwide. His success has paved the way for more two-way players and changed how MLB structures superstar contracts. Despite overcoming injuries, Ohtani's remarkable performance has put the Angels on track for a winning season and solidified his status as a megastar in the sport.
