Shohei Ohtani will earn more money from endorsements than from playing baseball this season. It was revealed that he will make $35 million from endorsements while earning $30 million from his contract with the Los Angeles Angels.
The next closest players are Aaron Judge and Mike Trout. Judge is set to earn $4.5 million, while Trout will earn $4 million from endorsements.
Ohtani is working with a number of companies, both in Japan and the United States. He signed a massive deal with New Balance this offseason. The Japanese superstar is also endorsed by companies such as BOSS, Fanatics, and Seiko.
You can't blame these companies for working with Shohei Ohtani. His popularity extends well beyond baseball.
"New face of baseball. Hope he stays healthy and sticks around for a while" one fan tweeted.
"Not surprising since he's the GOAT" another fan tweeted.
Baseball fans aren't too surprised by the news. He's the face of baseball, and this seems to be just the beginning.
Fans believe the support he receives from his home country sets him apart from the rest of baseball's biggest stars. Players like Mike Trout and Aaron Judge don't have an entire country backing them.
This season is going to be interesting for Shohei Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani is heading into the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Angels. Many around the league expect him to sign elsewhere if the Angels have another underwhelming season.
The Angels have not qualified for the postseason since Ohtani joined the team in 2018. After his World Baseball Classic experience, Ohtani wants to consistently compete at the highest level.
The Angels will be under tremendous pressure to perform this season. They're hoping to get a full season from Anthony Rendon, who has struggled to stay on the field since signing with LA. If he can stay in the lineup, the Angels will have a shot at finishing atop the AL West.
The Angels are also hoping for a big season from Hunter Renfroe, who was their biggest addition to the outfield this offseason. His power at the plate and arm in the outfield make him an important part of the team.
The Angels need to get over the hump. Otherwise, Ohtani will sign elsewhere in free agency.