Shohei Ohtani Dodgers contract: How much longer is Japanese superstar expected to play for World Series 2024 champs?

In just one season, the LA Dodgers' acquisition of Shohei Ohtani has already paid off. He will likely be named the NL MVP and the Dodgers won the World Series. It was a successful first season; however, it's far from the only season he will have with the team as Ohtani is not a rental.

Ohtani will play for the Dodgers for at least the next nine seasons. There is always the possibility that he could be traded or retire before the end of his contract, but both are highly unlikely.

The cost is where the contract gets really interesting. On paper, it's a 10-year deal for $700 million at $70 million AAV. However, thanks to some financial loopholes, the value is not even close to that.

The Dodgers are deferring most of the money, and they're only paying him $2 million in actual salary. The bill will eventually be due, but they've been able to surround him with talent until then.

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Shohei Ohtani praises Dodgers after winning the World Series

The LA Dodgers won the World Series without much help from an injured Shohei Ohtani. He recorded just two hits in five games and nearly blew the fifth inning of Game 5 by striking out with the bases loaded. A third defensive miscue helped keep the Dodgers alive and paved the way for their historic comeback.

Shohei Ohtani won the World Series (Imagn)

Regardless, the Dodgers wouldn't have made it there without Ohtani, who deferred the praise after the win.

“We were able to get through the regular season, I think, because of the strength of this team, this organization," Ohtani said, via MLB.com. "And the success of the postseason is very similar to how we were able to pull it off during the regular season. Again, the strength of the organization. Extremely honored to be a part of this.”

Ohtani has never even been to the playoffs before this season. His tenure with the LA Angels was marked by missing the postseason year in and year out.