Dodgers designated hitter and pitcher Shohei Ohtani is a very rich man.
On Saturday, Ohtani announced he would ink a 10-year, $700 million contract with Los Angeles—the richest pact in the history of North American sports. Even though many expected Ohtani's contract would be earth-shatteringly lucrative, sticker shock abounded.
However, as Kingpin told Spider-Man, "It's not always about the money." Per Jon Heyman of The New York Post, two other factors came into play for the two-time MVP.
“I think the Dodgers were the favorite all along,” Heyman said. “Because of two things: geography, number one. Number two, they are the most consistent winning team in Major League Baseball. Look at the record.”
"My understanding is that there were three finalists..."@JonHeyman talks through the latter stages of Shohei Ohtani's groundbreaking decision to sign with the Dodgers. pic.twitter.com/DWQJn3B4sz
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 9, 2023
Heyman repeatedly emphasized that Ohtani was happy living in his current locale. The Dodgers' nonpareil record needed little elaboration: Los Angeles hasn't missed the playoffs since 2012, and has won three pennants and a World Series title in that span.
"I think it's those two things," Heyman said. "I've heard he loves Southern California. What's not to love?"
