Ohtani's agent, Nez Balelo, confirmed the deal, which surpasses the previous largest contract in baseball history by over $250 million.

Making the announcement on Instagram, Ohtani expressed his commitment to the Dodgers, stating, "I pledge to always do what's best for the team and always continue to give it my all to be the best version of myself. Until the last day of my playing career, I want to continue to strive forward not only for the Dodgers but for the baseball world."

At just 29 years old, Ohtani has already achieved numerous accolades and made history as the first player in baseball to be named unanimous MVP multiple times. His exceptional performance as both a pitcher and a hitter has drawn comparisons to legendary player Babe Ruth, who also excelled in both roles over a century ago.

However, Ohtani's journey has not been without challenges. In August 2023, he discovered a tear in his ulnar collateral ligament, marking his second such injury in five years. Although details of his procedure were undisclosed, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed the surgery, assures that Ohtani will be ready to hit "without any restrictions come opening day of 2024" and resume his two-way role by 2025.

Despite the secrecy surrounding Ohtani's preferences during free agency, the Dodgers emerged as the chosen destination for the Japanese superstar. Ohtani expressed his gratitude to the Los Angeles Angels, his former team, as well as to the fans who supported him throughout his six years with the organization. He also thanked all the teams involved in the negotiation process.

The Dodgers' acquisition of Ohtani has instantaneously boosted their World Series odds according to sportsbooks, with the team now positioned as the consensus favorite ahead of the Atlanta Braves.

Ohtani's decision to join the Angels back in 2018 was a surprise to many, as he forwent the potential for a more lucrative contract as an international free agent. Despite a slow start during his rookie season, Ohtani's talent quickly shone through, resulting in him winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award.

Over the past several seasons, Ohtani has showcased his versatility, excelling as both a designated hitter and a pitcher. His dedication to refining his skills during the transformative offseason paid off, as he achieved remarkable statistics both at the plate and on the mound.

Teams across MLB were eager to acquire Ohtani, recognizing his unparalleled skill set and marketability. While concerns about his ability to overcome pitching injuries existed, the Dodgers ultimately emerged as the victorious suitor.

With his historic contract, Ohtani's signing with the Dodgers signifies a new chapter in his career and raises expectations for the team's future. Fans eagerly await the return of this extraordinary two-way player as he takes the field for his new team.