Toronto Blue Jays executives reportedly spent late nights crunching numbers, pacing hotel suites, and debating whether their coffee budget could stretch to match a global superstar’s ambitions. In the center of this high-stakes financial theater stood Shohei Ohtani, baseball’s two-way wonder, quietly redefining how much a player could command. Some say the Jays were ready to break every precedent—but was it serious business, or just a well-staged audition for baseball’s richest poker game?

Shohei Ohtani’s $700M Dodgers Contract

Shohei Ohtani signed a historic 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This contract shattered Mike Trout’s previous record of $426.5 million, becoming baseball’s largest ever. Ohtani’s deal includes $2 million annual pay with $68 million deferred each year through 2043. The deferrals reduce the Dodgers’ luxury tax exposure, allowing them to remain competitive under salary restrictions.

Ohtani will earn an average of $70 million annually, surpassing Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander. The deal contains a full no-trade clause and a key-man provision for team leadership changes. Off-field, Ohtani earns roughly $40 million yearly through endorsements, adding global commercial impact to his salary. These structured payments allow California and MLB tax considerations while securing the Dodgers’ flexibility for roster improvements.

Fans watched in awe as the Los Angeles Dodgers secured a two-way player with unmatched pitching and hitting ability. Ohtani hit 44 homers with 95 RBIs and posted a 3.14 ERA over 23 starts last season. His signing ignites excitement for both MLB competition and international interest, especially from Japanese audiences. This contract demonstrates the Dodgers’ commitment to winning while celebrating Ohtani’s historic contributions to baseball’s legacy.

Blue Jays’ Competitive Offer To Ohtani

The Toronto Blue Jays were heavily linked to Shohei Ohtani during his 2023 free agency. Reports from Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith suggested Toronto made a “very competitive” offer to Ohtani. The exact financial terms were not officially revealed, though sources said it rivaled Los Angeles’ $700 million.

Blue Jays executives, including Ross Atkins and John Schneider, conducted an extensive, secretive courtship in Dunedin. They prepared lockers, personalized gear, and even tracked his preferences to show full organizational commitment. Shohei Ohtani visited the complex, walking through every detail, highlighting how close Toronto came to signing him.

Speculation around the Blue Jays intensified after misleading flight reports suggested he was traveling to Toronto. Fans tracked flights and social media, creating a frenzy, only for the reports to be proven false. Despite the heartbreak, the organization’s aggressive pursuit showcased its willingness to pursue history with Ohtani.

Although the Blue Jays did not ultimately sign him, their offer demonstrated financial seriousness and intent. Toronto matched the Dodgers stride-for-stride in terms of negotiation effort, even if not final contract value. Fans still remember the near-miss, making Ohtani’s World Series appearance against Toronto feel emotionally charged and personal.

Did Ohtani Use the Blue Jays for Leverage?

Shohei Ohtani’s free agency stirred speculation that he might have used the Blue Jays strategically. Sources from Sportsnet indicated Toronto submitted a competitive offer, reportedly “right there” with the Dodgers’ $700 million. Whether as leverage or genuine interest, Ohtani’s visit and negotiations reflected careful planning to maximize his long-term value.

The Blue Jays’ meticulous pursuit of Ohtani proves ambition alone cannot always secure history’s brightest stars. Ohtani’s Dodgers signing confirms that even the cleverest strategy yields to global fame and record-breaking contracts. Fans will debate endlessly whether Toronto’s drama was genius planning, heartbreak, or just very expensive theater.