Ohtani’s Agent Discusses Superstar’s Contract Decisions

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar for the Los Angeles Dodgers, could have pursued a 15-year contract extending until he was 44 years old. His agent, Nez Balelo, revealed this information during a speech at Sportico’s Invest West conference on Thursday.

Balelo explained that Ohtani, known for his remarkable skills as both a pitcher and hitter, wanted to avoid the risk of declining performance under a lengthy contract. The conference took place at the Intuit Dome, home to the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers.

“The idea was about securing a future potential but also maintaining a high level of play,” Balelo said. “Shohei is always thinking long-term about his career and performance.”

Ohtani has garnered significant attention as an exceptional athlete, often being compared to legends in baseball history. His approach to contracts reflects his desire to balance financial security and the preservation of his abilities on the field.

The Dodgers acquired Ohtani this past offseason in a move that surprised many baseball analysts, projecting a transformative impact on the team. With Ohtani’s focus on maintaining his skills, fans and analysts are eager to see how he performs in the upcoming season.

Balelo’s comments shed light on the careful consideration behind Ohtani’s contract decision process as he continues to showcase his extraordinary talent.