Shohei Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo, revealed that the two-way MLB superstar deliberately avoided a longer 15-year contract to preserve the integrity of his athletic legacy. While Ohtani could have signed a deal extending into his mid-40s, he opted for a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Balelo explained that Ohtani didn’t want to risk performance decline in the later years of a longer deal, preferring to avoid a situation where fans would witness a diminished version of the player he once was. This strategic decision prioritized longevity of excellence over financial maximization.
Prioritizing Legacy, Team Success, and Flexibility Over Record-Breaking Upfront Financial Gain
Balelo spoke publicly about Ohtani’s signing at the Sportico Invest West conference, giving rare insight into the decision-making process behind the largest contract in professional sports. Ohtani joined the Dodgers in December 2023 and made an immediate impact, winning both the MVP and a World Series title in his first season.
Despite Juan Soto signing a larger $765 million deal the following year with the Mets, Balelo expressed no regrets, emphasizing that Ohtani’s choice was about fit, competitiveness, and legacy over just raw dollars.
Shohei Ohtani (MLB)A significant portion of Ohtani’s $700 million contract—$680 million—is deferred, reducing its present-day value for luxury tax purposes to about $461 million. This financial structure was intentionally designed to help the Dodgers remain competitive by freeing up resources to sign other players.
Ohtani’s goals included contributing to a winning team, maintaining his unique role as a two-way player, and being part of a championship culture. Balelo confirmed that the Dodgers committed to these objectives during negotiations.
Managing Hype, Media Pressure, and Endorsement Success Without Losing Focus or Integrity
The hype surrounding Ohtani’s free agency included false reports, such as one claiming he was flying to Toronto to sign with the Blue Jays. Balelo criticized the “reckless reporting” and shared that he felt sorry for Canadian fans misled by the story.
Despite being a low-profile agent who prefers to operate behind the scenes, Balelo acknowledged that managing public perception and media speculation was a major challenge during Ohtani’s decision-making process. Still, Ohtani’s camp remained focused on the long-term vision.
Ohtani is not only a baseball icon but also MLB’s top endorser, with projected off-field earnings jumping to $100 million in 2025. Balelo noted that Ohtani endorses over 20 carefully selected brands that align with his values and lifestyle.
However, the star athlete remains deeply committed to his training and performance, with endorsements being a secondary focus. Balelo emphasized the importance of protecting Ohtani from overexposure, keeping his attention on family and baseball. His journey, which Balelo has followed since Ohtani was a teenager in Japan, reflects a meticulously managed rise to global superstardom.
