Shohei Ohtani makes his feelings known on 1st season with Dodgers after leading LA-side to World Series in historic year

It was almost one year ago to the day that baseball fans caught news of Shohei Ohtani's 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. A groundbreaking, record-setting sum, the historic deal set the stage for a season like no other.

To list Ohtani's achievements this past season is a task in itself. In addition to becoming the first-ever player to steal at least 50 bases while clobbering 50 home runs or more, Ohtani clinched his third career MVP award and helped the Dodgers win the World Series. In recent comments to USA Today, the 30-year-old reflected on his tremendous campaign:

“This exceeded my expectations, obviously the first time I made the playoffs. We won the World Series. What more can you ask for?"

Despite the eventual results, the start of Shohei Ohtani's tenure with the Dodgers began tumultously. Days before the club's season opener against the San Diego Padres in Korea, it was revealed that Ohtani's interpreter and longtime friend Ippei Mizuhara was embroiled in a betting scandal, and had stolen millions from Ohtani.

Although some tied the superstar to these sordid allegations, it was subsequently revealed that Ohtani had no culpability in the matter. Mizuhara was soon replaced, and Ohtani pressed forward with his new club.

In late September, during a game against the Miami Marlins, Shohei Ohtani put forth a performance for the ages. Going 6-for-6 with 10 RBIs and three homers, Ohtani hit his 50th home run and stole his 50th base. A mere week later, Ohtani made his first postseason appearance.

"SHOHEI OHTANI HAS DONE IT. 50 HOME RUNS | 50 STOLEN BASES. HISTORY" - MLB

In the postseason, Shohei Ohtani hit .230/.373/.393 with 3 home runs and 10 RBIs as the Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in the World Series. As Ohtani previously spent six seasons on the LA Angels without a postseason appearance, his first playoff exposure culminated in the ultimate prize.

Dodgers' $700 wager on Shohei Ohtani reaped full dividends

At the time, the notion of a $700 million deal was a novelty, with some saying that the contract - even for a player like Ohtani - was not worth it. However, as the superstar's agent, Ned Balelo also told USA Today, it certainly appears to be worth it:

“For teams to justify that amount of money to sign him, you have to really capitalize on the off-the-field opportunities, his ability to attract sponsors and brands. And there’s a whole frenzy of memorabilia and novelty items. You had to quantify that as value"

In the days of ever-increasing contract value, Ohtani was a trendsetter in the truest sense.