Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who had the opportunity to play alongside Barry Bonds, has seen many great players throughout his career. However, Roberts has made a striking comparison between two of the best players he’s witnessed: Barry Bonds and Shohei Ohtani.
Roberts believes that Ohtani’s ability to perform in clutch moments surpasses what he saw from Bonds during his playing days. Ohtani’s legendary moments continue to grow, with his performance against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night further cementing his status as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Ohtani’s Clutch Three-Run Homer Seals Dodgers’ Dramatic 14-11 Comeback Victory Over Arizona
The Dodgers’ 14-11 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks was one of the most thrilling games of the season. The contest featured a combination of explosive offense, wild lead changes, and late-game drama, with both teams combining for 25 runs, 26 hits, and seven home runs.
Arizona held the lead multiple times, including a three-run advantage, but Los Angeles managed to claw its way back, making for a chaotic and emotional night. In the end, it was Ohtani’s heroics that sealed the Dodgers’ victory.
Shohei Ohtani (MLB)
Shohei Ohtani added to his growing legend with an unforgettable performance in the ninth inning. After the Dodgers tied the game 11-11, Ohtani stepped up to the plate with runners on first and second. Facing pitcher Ryan Thompson, Ohtani worked the count to 1-2 before crushing a breaking ball into the seats in right field for a three-run home run.
The home run was Ohtani’s 12th of the season, and his celebration mirrored that of Arizona’s Lourdes Gurriel Jr. earlier in the game. Ohtani’s clutch hit helped the Dodgers cap off a dramatic comeback, and Roberts lauded his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.
Back-and-forth Offense Leads to Ohtani’s Game-Winning Home Run in Ninth-Inning Comeback
The game was a back-and-forth offensive showcase, with both teams hitting multiple home runs and capitalizing on pitching mistakes. Ohtani set the tone early, hitting a 423-foot double in the first inning that showcased his power. Despite his early contributions, the Dodgers went quiet for several innings, and Arizona took advantage.
Ketel Marte hit two solo homers for the Diamondbacks, and Eugenio Suarez added a two-run shot in the first inning. Arizona’s offense continued to flourish, with a grand slam from Gurriel and a series of homers that put them ahead 11-8 by the eighth inning.
The Dodgers’ comeback began in the ninth inning when Freddie Freeman led off with a single, followed by a series of timely hits from Andy Pages, Enrique Hernandez, and Max Muncy, all of whom contributed to tying the game at 11.
With Ohtani at the plate, the stage was set for a dramatic moment. As usual, Ohtani delivered, providing the decisive blow with his three-run homer. His ability to rise to the occasion in clutch moments continues to set him apart, with his teammates and manager alike praising his consistency and unflappable nature in high-stress situations.
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.
The New York Yankees showed they can still win while looking a bit rough, and Baltimore’s Tyler O’Neill might be the best player on Earth during the first game of the season.
As expected, Japanese star Shohei Ohtani delivered more big hits for the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers as Major League Baseball celebrated its domestic opening day with 14 games on Thursday.
New York’s Carlos Rodón, with a well-groomed short beard, gave up just one run over 5 1/3 innings while striking out seven, leading the Yankees to a 4-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. In February, the Yankees announced they were ending their 49-year ban on beards.
O’Neill hit a home run for the sixth straight opening day to extend his own record, hitting a three-run homer in the Orioles’ 12-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. He finished 3 for 3 with two walks and three runs scored.
Even more special, the Canadian played in his home country for the first time on opening day.
Ohtani hit a solo homer and scored twice for the Dodgers, who improved to 3-0 this season with a 5-4 win over the Detroit Tigers. The Dodgers had previously beaten the Cubs twice in Tokyo to start the season on March 18 and 19.
Yankees shake off rough spring, get win
Austin Wells became the first catcher to hit a leadoff homer on opening day, helping the Yankees to their win over the Brewers.
It was a good day in New York after a tough spring in Florida.
The Yankees faced many injuries during Grapefruit League play, losing ace Gerrit Cole for the season after learning he needed Tommy John surgery. Slugger Giancarlo Stanton (sore elbows), reigning AL Rookie of the Year pitcher Luis Gil (lat strain), right-hander Clarke Schmidt (shoulder fatigue), and infielder DJ LeMahieu (left calf strain) also started the season on the injured list.
None of that mattered against the Brewers. New closer Devin Williams, an All-Star acquired from the Brewers in a December trade, worked out of a bases-loaded, no-out jam to seal the win.
Orioles power up
O’Neill’s record-extending homer was just one part of Baltimore’s strong offense. The Orioles hit six home runs in their big win over the Blue Jays, including two homers for both catcher Adley Rutschman and center fielder Cedric Mullins.
Rutschman’s power display suggests he’s ready to bounce back from a slightly disappointing 2024 season when he hit .250 with 19 homers. The two-time All-Star and former No. 1 overall pick finished with three hits.
Noaln Arenado hits a home run in the 8th inning
Winning White Sox
The Chicago White Sox took advantage of a fresh start, beating the Los Angeles Angels 8-1.
The White Sox were coming off a 41-121 record last season, which set the post-1900 major league record for losses in a season. Chicago is still expected to be in rebuilding mode this summer, but at least for one day, the White Sox looked like an improved team.
Sean Burke threw six scoreless innings, Andrew Benintendi, Lenyn Sosa, and Austin Slater all hit homers, and Will Venable won his MLB managerial debut.
For the Angels, it was their 11th opening day loss in 12 years.
Arenado goes deep
Nolan Arenado is still in St. Louis and still a very good baseball player.
Arenado hit a solo homer in the Cardinals’ 5-3 win over the Minnesota Twins, saluting the home crowd with a curtain call.
The Cardinals tried to trade the eight-time All-Star third baseman during the offseason, but nothing worked out, so the 33-year-old is back at Busch Stadium’s hot corner, at least for now.
Dodgers keep winning
There’s no way the Los Angeles Dodgers will go 162-0 this season, right?
Right?
Well, they’re 159 wins away after beating the Tigers on Thursday. The big-budget Dodgers have looked great so far in the early season, showing they’re a strong contender to win back-to-back World Series titles for the first time since the Yankees won three straight from 1998 to 2000.
Ohtani hit his second homer of the season, going deep in the seventh. Teoscar Hernández hit a three-run homer, and two-time Cy Young award winner Blake Snell pitched well in his Dodgers debut, giving up two runs over five innings after signing a $182 million, five-year deal during the offseason.
Carlos Rodon pitches in the 1st inning
Quick hits
Miami’s Sandy Alcántara gave up two runs over 4 2/3 innings in a 5-4 win against the Pirates in a strong return after missing all of the 2024 season after Tommy John surgery.
Alcántara was the 2022 NL Cy Young award winner. Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes, who won the NL Rookie of the Year award last season, gave up two runs over 5 1/3 innings. … Fernando Tatis Jr. had three hits and Manny Machado added two doubles as the Padres beat the Braves 7-4.
Wilmer Flores hit a three-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning, and the San Francisco Giants rallied for a 6-4 victory over Cincinnati, ruining Terry Francona’s debut as Reds manager. … New Mets star Juan Soto struck out with two on base in the ninth to end New York’s 3-1 loss to Houston.
Soto signed a record $765 million, 15-year deal during the offseason. … Washington’s MacKenzie Gore struck out a career-high 13 batters against Philadelphia, but the Phillies rallied for a 7-3 win. Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber hit home runs for the Phillies.
Boston’s Wilyer Abreu dedicated a two-homer game to his newborn twin boys. Abreu went deep twice in Boston’s season-opening 5-2 win at Texas, including a tiebreaking three-run shot in the ninth. … Catcher Miguel Amaya had two doubles and five RBIs to lead the Cubs past the Diamondbacks 10-6.
Bold changes to Major League Baseball’s traditional rules have sped up the games and brought back the excitement of stealing bases in recent years.
A similar innovative approach might be needed to help starting pitchers regain the importance they had as recently as ten years ago.
Last season, only four pitchers—Seattle’s Logan Gilbert, Kansas City’s Seth Lugo, San Francisco’s Logan Webb, and Philadelphia’s Zack Wheeler—pitched 200 or more innings. In 2014, 34 pitchers reached that mark.
During the 2014 season, every MLB team got over 900 innings from their starting pitchers, with five teams going over 1,000 innings. Last year, only four teams had starters throw at least 900 innings, with Seattle leading at 942 2/3 innings.
This change has been happening for a while, but the numbers make it clear for longtime fans who remember seeing players like Bob Gibson throw three complete games in the 1967 World Series or Jack Morris pitch 10 shutout innings in Game 7 of the 1991 World Series.
Back in the days of Cy Young and Walter Johnson, part of the charm of the game was watching a pitcher face a lineup three or four times.
Today, with every team having multiple relievers who can throw in the high 90s, what could make teams let their starting pitchers go deeper into games?
Managers and players are struggling to find an answer. “Outside of just changing rules to encourage managers to keep guys in games longer,” said Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
Roberts’ Dodgers showed the bullpen-focused strategy during their run to the 2024 World Series title. Their starting pitchers threw six innings or more in only two of their 16 postseason games.
In 2023, Texas’ Nathan Eovaldi went 5-0 with five postseason quality starts (at least six innings, no more than three earned runs) while helping the Rangers win their first World Series title. But even he sees how much the game has changed for starting pitchers since he made his debut in 2011.
“Bullpens are a lot different now than they were back then,” Eovaldi said. “You’ve got a lot more guys who aren’t just eighth- and ninth-inning guys. They can come in the sixth or seventh and go multiple innings.
They all have multiple pitches now, too. That’s one of the interesting things about the bullpen. You don’t have guys with just a two-pitch mix anymore. They’ve got three or four pitches, and two of them are really elite.”
That’s why it seems like there’s only one way to get starters to pitch more innings.
“Putting in rules that require it,” said San Francisco Giants manager Bob Melvin. “We’ve created our own monster. It is what it is.”
New York Yankees pitcher Lou Trivino delivers in the first inning of a spring training baseball game
What rules could MLB create to promote starting pitching?
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred says it’s too early to consider rule changes.
“Our focus right now is training methods, particularly offseason training methods,” Manfred said. “It’s going to be somewhere between education and recommendations. It’s very hard to tell people you can’t do X, Y and Z, right? They’re grown men and there’s no way to monitor it during the offseason.”
One issue is that there is no clear agreement on what rule changes would be most effective.
For example, MLB allowed the Atlantic League to test a rule change in 2021 and 2023 where a team would lose its designated hitter if its starting pitcher didn’t finish at least five innings.
Introducing a similar rule in the majors could be challenging, as some of the league’s most popular stars, such as Shohei Ohtani and Bryce Harper, have played as designated hitters in recent years. Fans who come to see these players would likely be unhappy if they were removed due to an early pitching change.
MLB has not announced any similar rule experiments in the minors for this season.
The maximum number of pitchers allowed on MLB rosters was reduced from 14 to 13 in 2022, though the limit increases to 14 when rosters expand from 26 to 28 on September 1. A more drastic rule change could require starters to pitch at least five or six innings unless they are injured, throw a certain number of pitches, or allow a specific number of runs.
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said he wouldn’t mind seeing more rule changes tested in the minor leagues to help starting pitchers go deeper into games. He wants pitching prospects to get used to pitching longer innings.
“That’s the way it used to be with starters,” Bochy said. “Now I think the mentality can be, ‘Hey, I’ve done my job. I’ve thrown four or five innings.’”
Giants pitcher Robbie Ray believes the history of the game shows that starters can adapt to longer outings.
“I think starting pitchers are capable of doing it,” said Ray, who won the 2021 AL Cy Young Award with Toronto. “It’s just a matter of kind of training our bodies to do that again because what’s been expected of us has changed over the years.”
Emmanuel Clase pitches in the 9th inning
Restoring endurance as a valued skill
A 62-page MLB study released in December showed that the focus on increasing pitch velocities and maximum effort on each pitch has led to more injuries among pitchers. The study also revealed that the percentage of starts lasting five or more innings dropped from 84% to 70% in the majors from 2005-2024, and from 68.9% to 36.8% in the minors.
“Because we’re trying to create this engine and this repetitive thought of just pure stuff each and every pitch, yeah, starters are going to fatigue sooner,” Cleveland Guardians pitching coach Carl Willis said. “And at the same time, we’re training them that way. We’re training them to do so.
“Everybody still talks about wanting to go out for the sixth, wanting to go out for the seventh and getting deep into games. I don’t know that we’re training them to do that, and I don’t know how we are kind of teaching nowadays can allow that to happen.”
A change in approach could help those starters build that endurance. Right now, it’s the older players who seem more used to that kind of workload.
The MLB leader in quality starts last season was the 34-year-old Wheeler, who had 26. Lugo, 35, had 22 quality starts, tying for second place.
Still, the 2024 season showed some positive signs for the future of starting pitching. MLB pitchers threw 5.22 innings per start last season, the most since 2018, though it was still lower than the 2014 average of 5.97.
The 2024 season also saw an MLB average of 85.5 pitches per start, the highest since 2019. Starters haven’t thrown as many as 90 pitches per appearance since 2017.
Perhaps it’s inevitable that the focus will shift slightly back toward getting starters to pitch longer. The recent emphasis on relievers has increased the pressure on them, causing bullpens to wear out.
There’s one clear way to change that.
“I don’t think necessarily the game is going to all of a sudden turn back the other way, but there’s a huge push to understand how you can keep a bullpen healthy,” Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy said. “And one of the biggest ways is those starters getting through that first bulk and getting you into the sixth or seventh.”
Now, it’s just a matter of figuring out how to get starters to pitch deeper into games more often.
Shohei Ohtani reacts after fouling a pitch in the Game 3
The sound of Shohei Ohtani’s bat hitting the ball, the cheers from the Tokyo Dome crowd, and the beeps from the credit card machines at the large merchandise center selling lots of Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs gear were all happening at once.
This must have been a great moment for Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred.
The 2025 season had an excellent start for the sport, showing its global appeal over the past week in Japan. The Tokyo Dome held around 42,000 fans for each of the four games — two exhibitions against Japanese teams and two regular-season games. Thousands more came to the downtown area to enjoy the success of this overseas trip.
This is all part of MLB’s success as it moves closer to its domestic opening day on March 27. The game is in good shape, with a slight increase in stadium attendance and a faster pace of play, thanks to rule changes that began in 2023.
“To the city of Tokyo and the country of Japan, on behalf of the Dodgers and Major League Baseball, we just want to say thank you,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “You guys were all such great hosts.
“Hopefully we put on a good show.”
It’s hard to argue against this. Ohtani’s powerful solo home run in the Dodgers’ 6-3 win on Wednesday night marked the end of a two-game sweep in which five Japanese players returned home. Four of them played really well, handling the huge pressure of performing in front of their home fans.
Chicago’s Shota Imanaga and Los Angeles’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto kicked things off with the first all-Japanese starting pitcher matchup in opening day history. Both pitchers did well, with Imanaga throwing four scoreless innings and Yamamoto following with five strong innings, allowing just one run in the Dodgers’ 4-1 win.
In the second game, Dodgers rookie Roki Sasaki made his big league debut, throwing four fastballs at 100 mph to start his career in three exciting — though somewhat wild — innings that showed his potential. Chicago’s Seiya Suzuki was the only player who didn’t do well, going hitless in both games.
But the main focus was clearly Ohtani, who handled the huge expectations with skill and composure. He went 3 for 8 with two walks, including the solo home run that just cleared the wall in right-center field, giving the Dodgers a 6-2 lead.
Even Chicago’s Pete Crow-Armstrong unknowingly helped create a memorable moment, tossing Ohtani’s home run ball into the stands, where a 10-year-old Japanese boy caught it and quickly became a local hero.
Shohei Ohtani celebrates after hitting a home run
Shohei always seems to deliver
“You know, it’s not surprising,” Roberts said. “Nothing Shohei does surprises me. Everyone here tonight came to watch Shohei perform and put on a show. And like Shohei does, he always seems to deliver.
“It was a great moment for everyone for him to hit a home run here at the Tokyo Dome.”
The festive scene stood in sharp contrast to last year’s two-game series in South Korea between the Dodgers and San Diego Padres, when news of a gambling scandal involving Ohtani’s translator, Ippei Mizuhara, overshadowed the series and briefly affected Ohtani’s clean reputation.
Mizuhara later pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud after stealing nearly $17 million from the Dodgers player’s bank account. He was sentenced to almost five years in federal prison in February.
Ohtani was never involved in the scandal, and he responded to the drama by having one of the best seasons in MLB history. He became the first player to hit at least 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season, helping the Dodgers win the World Series against the New York Yankees.
The 30-year-old’s achievements over the past year have made the impressive $700 million, 10-year contract he signed with the Dodgers seem like a great deal. Now, he’s working on coming back as a two-way player, aiming to return to pitching in May after having elbow surgery in 2023.
It’s fair to wonder how much longer Ohtani’s surgically repaired body can keep up with this level of play. He had shoulder surgery in the offseason to repair a torn labrum, an injury he got during Game 2 of the World Series, and he’s now had two major surgeries on his pitching elbow.
But if there’s one thing we’ve learned since Ohtani joined the big leagues, it’s that baseball’s usual rules don’t seem to apply to one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.
The former interpreter for Japanese baseball player Shohei Ohtani is expected to be sentenced on Thursday for bank and tax fraud after stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani’s bank account.
Federal prosecutors are asking for a prison sentence of four years and nine months for Ippei Mizuhara, who was hired to help Ohtani communicate with his English-speaking teammates and fans as they traveled across the U.S. However, Mizuhara took advantage of the language barrier to isolate Ohtani and steal from him.
Mizuhara is set to appear in federal court in Santa Ana, California. He pleaded guilty last year to bank and tax fraud after being accused of stealing money to cover his gambling debts with an illegal bookmaker, in addition to stealing $325,000 worth of baseball cards and his own dental bills.
This case has affected one of the most famous baseball players, who previously played for the Los Angeles Angels. It has also caused a media frenzy internationally. It came out of a wider investigation into illegal sports betting organizations in Southern California and money laundering at Las Vegas casinos, which has led to the arrest of a dozen people.
Mizuhara is scheduled to pay $17 million in restitution to Ohtani and $1 million to the Internal Revenue Service.
In a letter to the court, Mizuhara explained his financial troubles and addiction to gambling, which he had hoped would solve his money problems. He also expressed admiration for Ohtani and regret for what he had done.
“I am asking for a little mercy from the court concerning my sentence you will hand down,” Mizuhara wrote. “I truly admire Shohei as a baseball player and a human being, and I was committed to devote my life so Shohei can be the best version of himself on the field. I want to say I am truly sorry for violating his trust in me.”
Ippei Mizuhara and Shohei Ohtani in an interview
Mizuhara started accessing Ohtani’s account in 2021 and changed the security settings so he could impersonate him and authorize wire transfers. By 2024, Mizuhara had spent the stolen money to buy about $325,000 worth of baseball cards from online sellers and placed tens of millions of dollars in illegal bets on international soccer, the NBA, the NFL, and college football.
Prosecutors stated that Mizuhara never bet on baseball and that Ohtani was unaware of the theft.
“Let there be no doubt, Mr. Ohtani is truly a victim and has suffered, and will continue to suffer, harm from defendant’s conduct,” prosecutors said.
Mizuhara’s lawyer, Michael G. Freedman, stated in court filings that Mizuhara is a gambling addict who made a “terrible mistake” and has already lost his job and reputation. Mizuhara accepts responsibility for his actions and expects to be deported to Japan after serving his sentence. Freedman has requested a sentence of one and a half years.
Mizuhara was born in Japan and moved to California at the age of 6. He had difficulty learning English but eventually did, and in 2013, he went back to Japan to work as an interpreter for a Japanese baseball team. Later, he became Ohtani’s interpreter, according to court records.
The two developed a close relationship, and Mizuhara moved with Ohtani to the U.S. in 2018, where he handled many tasks for the player, including grocery shopping.
Throughout Ohtani’s career, Mizuhara stood by his side for major events, such as being his catcher at the 2021 All-Star Game Home Run Derby, supporting him during his two American League MVP wins, and being present when Ohtani signed his record-breaking $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Off the field, Mizuhara was Ohtani’s friend and confidant. He famously resigned from the Los Angeles Angels during the 2021 MLB lockout so he could continue working with Ohtani and was rehired once a deal was made.
Last year, Ohtani and the Dodgers won the World Series, and Ohtani received his third Most Valuable Player award.
Federal prosecutors stated that there is no evidence to support Ippei Mizuhara’s claims of having a gambling addiction, which he says caused him to accumulate massive debts, according to court documents.
Mizuhara, who was Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter for a long time, is set to be sentenced on February 6 after pleading guilty to charges of bank and tax fraud in June.
Earlier in the year, Mizuhara admitted to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani to pay off sports betting debts. Prosecutors are seeking $16 million in restitution to Ohtani and an additional $1.1 million to the IRS.
Prosecutors have recommended a 57-month prison sentence with three years of supervised release, while Mizuhara’s attorney has requested an 18-month sentence. The defense claims Mizuhara has a “long-standing” gambling addiction, saying he owes $40.7 million and visited casinos four to five times a week. His lawyer added that Mizuhara attends Gamblers Anonymous meetings three times a week.
Prosecutors have responded by stating that Mizuhara gave “self-serving and uncorroborated statements” to the psychologist he hired for sentencing purposes.
“All defendants claim to be remorseful at the time of sentencing,” the prosecutors wrote. “The question courts must answer is whether the defendant is truly remorseful or whether they are just sorry they were caught.”
The investigation, according to prosecutors, found “only minimal evidence” of legal gambling in Mizuhara’s history after reviewing over 30 U.S. casinos. They found that Mizuhara spent $200 at one casino in 2008.
Prosecutors also said Mizuhara created a FanDuel account in 2018 but never made a bet. In 2023, he started using DraftKings after he had already stolen millions of dollars from Ohtani.
Shohei Ohtani reacts after fouling a pitch in the Game 3
Prosecutors argue that Mizuhara did not have a large gambling debt as he claimed and that his actions, including stealing from Ohtani, were not due to gambling problems.
Last week, prosecutors released an audio recording where Mizuhara impersonated the Los Angeles Dodgers star to transfer $200,000 from Ohtani’s account, saying the money was for a car loan. The government also claims Mizuhara tried to make a fraudulent $40,000 transfer from Ohtani’s account in 2021 while having over $34,000 in his checking account.
“Mizuhara could have used his own money to pay the bookie but instead chose to steal from Mr. Ohtani,” prosecutors stated.
The federal criminal complaint reveals that Mizuhara placed 19,000 sports bets with an illegal bookie from December 2021 to January 2024, betting amounts between $10 and $160,000, with an average bet of $12,800. Mizuhara placed about 25 bets a day.
Records show he won about $142.3 million from sports wagers but lost over $182.9 million, resulting in a net loss of roughly $40.7 million.
Prosecutors argue that a “significant period of incarceration is necessary” for Mizuhara due to his theft from Ohtani, and claim that Mizuhara feels ashamed because of the international attention his fraud schemes have received.
Dodgers' $865.5 million deferred payments ignite heated debate (Los Angeles Dodgers)
The debate surrounding the Los Angeles Dodgers’ massive deferred payments has sparked intense discussion among fans and experts alike.
At the heart of the controversy lies a staggering $865.5 million in deferred payments through 2040, a figure that has drawn both praise and criticism.
Deferred payments spark questions about the team’s financial stability (Los Angeles Dodgers)
A Financial Maneuver with Far-Reaching Implications
Critics argue that the Dodgers’ aggressive use of deferrals is a reckless spending strategy that threatens the team’s long-term financial stability.
By relying on future revenues to pay for present-day contracts, the team is taking a big risk, especially in a sport as unpredictable as baseball.
The Crux of the Controversy
The recent contracts of star players like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani have all included substantial deferred portions.
While this practice allows the team to spread out the financial burden of these massive contracts, it also raises concerns about the potential burden placed on future ownership groups.
A Shrewd Strategy or a Ticking Time Bomb?
Proponents of the Dodgers’ approach argue that deferred payments are a savvy way to avoid the escalating costs of talent.
By spreading out payments, the team can maintain payroll flexibility and remain competitive without breaking the bank.
However, detractors counter that this strategy prioritizes short-term competitiveness over long-term financial stability.
Fan Reaction: A Mixed Bag
The reaction from fans has been varied, ranging from enthusiasm to skepticism. Some fans praise the team’s ability to attract and retain top talent, while others express concern about the long-term financial implications of the team’s deferred payment strategy.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: only time will tell if the Dodgers’ gamble will yield championship glory.
The Billion-Dollar Question
As the Dodgers continue to defy conventional wisdom with their massive deferred payments, fans and experts alike are left wondering if this strategy will prove to be a masterstroke or a recipe for disaster.
With the team’s financial future hanging in the balance, the answer to this question remains elusive.
The race for young Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki was one of the rare times when all 30 Major League Baseball teams had an equal chance to sign a highly sought-after player. It seemed like an opportunity for smaller-market teams to land a promising prospect and add some balance to the sport.
But that was not the case.
Sasaki, the 23-year-old right-handed pitcher with a fastball that can exceed 100 mph, is signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Sasaki joins the defending World Series champions, a move that felt inevitable from the start. The San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays were also in the running, but as expected, Sasaki is joining fellow Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in LA.
The Dodgers didn’t even need to use a huge financial offer to bring Sasaki to Chavez Ravine. Since Sasaki is under 25 and has less than six years of service in Japan, MLB rules classify him as an international amateur. This means he could only sign a minor league contract with a limited bonus.
Los Angeles had just over $5 million available in its 2025 bonus pool to offer Sasaki when he made his decision. However, the team is making some moves to free up more money. The other 29 teams also had a similar or larger amount of money to offer.
A larger budget wasn’t the issue. Sasaki simply wanted to play for the Dodgers.
“At my news conference for joining the club, I hope to wear my Dodgers uniform, feeling gratitude for all those who have supported me,” Sasaki said in Japanese on Instagram.
And who could blame him?
The Dodgers are set up for success for many years ahead, with stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Teoscar Hernández, and Ohtani on the roster. Sasaki could join a rotation that already includes Ohtani, Yamamoto, two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Tony Gonsolin.
The presence of Ohtani and Yamamoto played a big part in Sasaki’s decision, but there are other reasons why Southern California is one of the best destinations in baseball, even more so than New York.
The Dodgers attracted nearly 50,000 fans per game last season, the highest in the league. On the road, the Dodgers are often treated like a home team, with fans cheering for them even when they’re in their away uniforms. Manager Dave Roberts has been a steady influence, guiding a star-studded team while managing the challenges of leading baseball’s most popular franchise.
Shohei Ohtani walks to the plate to bat in the Game 3
The Dodgers are not only a successful team, but they’re also easy to like. Freeman’s friendly personality makes him a fan favorite, while Betts brings an unmatched coolness to the game.
Ohtani handled a rare controversy last spring after his interpreter was caught gambling millions, then went on to have a fantastic season, winning his third MVP award and becoming the first player in MLB history to have a 50-50 season.
Other teams in the National League have spent big to try to keep up. The Arizona Diamondbacks recently added ace Corbin Burnes in a $210 million deal. The San Francisco Giants spent $182 million on shortstop Willy Adames and even more to sign three-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander.
The New York Mets spent a massive $765 million to sign outfielder Juan Soto.
However, each time one of their rivals makes a big move, the Dodgers respond with a move that feels like a counterpunch. While Sasaki may not have proven himself against MLB hitters yet, it’s a psychological setback for other teams to see the Dodgers getting stronger, especially when money wasn’t supposed to be an advantage.
While fans of rival teams may be disappointed by Sasaki’s decision, it’s a win for MLB, which saw a rise in popularity last season. The Dodgers are aiming to become the first team to win back-to-back championships since the New York Yankees from 1998 to 2000.
Spring training begins in less than a month, with the Dodgers’ first workout on February 11 in Arizona. Just six weeks later, the team will be playing in the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs on March 18 and 19.
The Dodgers will be at the center of the baseball world, and they will be the main attraction.
Shohei Ohtani, the star player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is donating $500,000 to support firefighters and animals affected by the severe wildfires in the region.
Ohtani shared his plan on Instagram, using the message “LA Strong” in white letters on a black background.
“We’ll be donating $500,000 to help those firefighters and those forced to live in shelter to help animals in need,” Ohtani wrote.
Shohei Ohtani celebrates in the dug out after scoring
In addition, the Dodgers, along with other Los Angeles sports teams, are working together to sell “LA Strong” T-shirts and sweatshirts. All of the money raised from these sales will go to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the American Red Cross.
“I hope you all will consider this,” Ohtani wrote in his post.
As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare for the 2025 season, much attention is focused on superstar Shohei Ohtani, who is currently recovering from multiple surgeries. Fans are eagerly anticipating his return, but there are concerns about whether he will be ready to pitch by Opening Day in Japan. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has expressed doubt about Ohtani’s ability to take the mound by March 18, when the team is scheduled to face the Cubs at the Tokyo Dome. This uncertainty has raised questions about the team’s expectations and Ohtani’s future performance.
Ohtani has long been a standout player in Major League Baseball, celebrated for his exceptional ability to both pitch and hit. However, his career has been hindered by injuries, with his most recent setbacks including elbow surgery in September 2023 and an arthroscopic procedure on his left shoulder. These surgeries have complicated his recovery timeline, making it unlikely that Ohtani will be ready to pitch by the start of the 2025 season. The Dodgers are adopting a cautious approach, prioritizing Ohtani’s long-term health and performance over rushing him back to the mound.
Shohei Ohtani (MLB)
Despite these challenges, Ohtani is still expected to contribute to the Dodgers as a designated hitter. His remarkable performance in the previous season, including a .310 batting average, a .390 on-base percentage, and a .646 slugging percentage, underscores his value to the team. Ohtani also won the MVP award unanimously and made history by hitting over 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in a single season. The Dodgers will rely on his offensive skills as they manage his rehabilitation and recovery process, carefully balancing his health with the demands of the season.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers’ focus will be on Ohtani’s rehabilitation. Manager Roberts emphasized the importance of maintaining Ohtani’s shoulder strength while gradually integrating him back into pitching routines. This process will involve closely monitoring his progress, allowing him to participate in hitters’ meetings, and ramping up his at-bats as a designated hitter. The upcoming season will be a test for Ohtani’s resilience as well as the Dodgers’ ability to adapt to his changing role, ensuring that he can contribute to the team’s success while prioritizing his recovery.
Ultimately, the Dodgers and their fans are hopeful that with careful management, Ohtani will return to his peak form, both as a hitter and potentially as a pitcher later in the season. His return will be critical for the team’s championship aspirations, and the Dodgers will need to navigate his injury recovery with patience and precision. With Ohtani’s potential still immense, the 2025 season will be a pivotal year for both him and the team as they work to make the most of his extraordinary talents.
Shohei Ohtani has signed a groundbreaking 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, a contract that shatters records across sports. The deal, announced officially by the Dodgers, is the largest in global sports history, surpassing the previous record set by soccer star Lionel Messi’s $674 million deal with FC Barcelona. In North American team sports, Ohtani’s contract outstrips Patrick Mahomes’ $450 million extension with the Kansas City Chiefs. In MLB, it breaks the previous record for a free-agent deal, which was set by Aaron Judge’s $360 million contract with the Yankees.
This historic agreement reflects Ohtani’s status as a once-in-a-generation talent, combining his extraordinary hitting and pitching skills. The two-way superstar, a two-time unanimous MVP and three-time All-Star, is expected to be a key asset for the Dodgers, despite needing to recover from surgery to repair his right UCL, which will prevent him from pitching in 2024. However, Ohtani will serve as the Dodgers’ designated hitter next season, providing significant offensive firepower alongside MVP candidates Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.
Shohei Ohtani (MLB)
Ohtani’s contract includes “unprecedented deferrals,” a strategy designed by the player to give the Dodgers flexibility in managing the luxury tax and maintaining competitive resources for the team. This structure not only benefits the team’s financial situation but also aligns with Ohtani’s goal of long-term success and winning with his new team. The deferrals also offer tax advantages, further emphasizing his commitment to the Dodgers’ competitive future.
Ohtani’s contract solidifies his place as one of the most influential players in MLB history. Over six seasons with the Angels, he posted remarkable statistics both as a hitter and pitcher, including a .274 batting average, 171 home runs, and a 3.01 ERA with 608 strikeouts. His 2023 season was his most impressive at the plate, leading the AL in home runs, OBP, slugging, and WAR. His all-around ability is unmatched, and his presence will greatly enhance the Dodgers’ lineup in 2024 and beyond.
With Ohtani now off the market, the Dodgers can focus on filling other roster needs, particularly in their pitching staff. There are ongoing discussions and links to possible trade targets, including top pitchers like Corbin Burnes of the Brewers, Tyler Glasnow of the Rays, and Dylan Cease of the White Sox. With Ohtani’s addition, the Dodgers are poised for sustained success, but they will continue to seek moves that ensure they remain a competitive powerhouse in MLB.
