Shohei Ohtani transforms Dodgers' revenue by a huge margin through advertising magic

The Los Angeles Dodgers broke the bank to sign Shohei Ohtani when he opted for free agency last offseason. By becoming the highest-paid MLB player by a massive margin, Ohtani is repaying the team with brilliant displays on the field. Moreover, the popularity of the Japanese superstar has also allowed the Dodgers to multiply their advertising revenue in less than a year.

Shohei Ohtani inked a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers at the end of the 2023 season, the largest free agent deal in MLB history. The 30-year-old is currently gunning for the National League MVP even though he has not taken up pitching duties this year. Right now, Ohtani is closing in on an unprecedented 50-50 season (46 home runs and 46 stolen bases, as of now).

Meanwhile, Ohtani is making an equally big impact for the Dodgers on the financial side of the franchise. As per USA Today Sports, the team had earned $500,000 through advertising on the outfield wall at Dodgers Stadium in 2023. However, that figure has reportedly skyrocketed to $6.5 million in 2024 following the signing of Ohtani.

This is a mind-boggling spike even for a team with one of the biggest fanbases, and Shohei Ohtani has certainly been at the heart of it. Aside from staying healthy, he has come up with stellar performances daily, which has helped the Dodgers to get their stadium packed almost every home game.

Shohei Ohtani and the NL MVP race

Shohei Ohtani is closing in on an unprecedented 50-50 season (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

Shohei Ohtani is having one of the most remarkable seasons in MLB history after becoming the first player to record 45 home runs and 45 stolen bases. He is within touching distance of the 50-50 mark, although this fantastic achievement may still not be enough to win the MVP.

At the moment, Ohtani leads the NL in extra-base hits, slugging, total bases, runs scored, OPS, and home runs, but he has played solely as a DH this season. Therefore, the voters may lean towards Francisco Lindor of the New York Mets or Ketel Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks in the MVP voting despite having lesser offensive production.

Regardless, Ohtani is set to make his maiden postseason appearance in his MLB career. The Dodgers are 86-57 for the season and have a six-game lead over the San Diego Padres in the NL West.