In a world where G.O.A.T. debates fuel barbershop wars and billion-dollar brands chase sweat-drenched icons, the throne of athletic riches has found a new occupant. While kings of the court and lords of the pitch still cash their checks, it’s a Dodger in cleats who just rewrote the playbook on paydays. Enter Shohei Ohtani—baseball’s unicorn, now officially the bank’s favorite athlete.

Every sport and every generation has its greats, and this generation has many of them. In soccer, there ars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, basketball has LeBron James and Stephen Curry; and baseball has Aaron Judge and the one and only, Ohtani. The amount of impact these players have on their sport and the money they pull in is second to none.

Other than the millions they earn for their superhuman abilities, their off-field earnings are off the charts. For example, Messi earns $70 million off the field, and James earns around $80 million. But what’s surprising is that compared to these two giants, Ohtani is on another level. The Los Angeles Dodgers star’s earnings jumped from $65 million in 2024 to $100 million this year. In an interview, his agent, Nez Balelo, said, “Yeah, absolutely, those are real numbers. It continues to take on a life of its own.”

His deals with top brands like New Balance and Beats by Dre keep him at the top of the charts for off-field earnings. While James’ estimated total earnings in 2025 are around $128 million, Messi’s are close to $130 million. And Ohtani? He’s inching toward $130–140 million, and he’s doing it in cleats and two roles.

Ohtani’s off-field fortune isn’t just the result of his record-breaking contract or his status as baseball’s brightest star. It’s a result of his disciplined approach to brand partnerships and his unique global appeal. Unlike many top athletes who chase the biggest endorsement numbers. According to Balelo, the two-way star endorses just over 20 brands, but each deal is the product of a meticulous vetting process. It’s not about quantity; it’s about alignment. He only partners with companies whose products he genuinely uses or believes in, and he takes the time to understand the people behind each brand.

And let’s not forget—he’s doing all this while pitching like Nolan Ryan and hitting like Barry Bonds. In a world where most athletes master one lane, Shohei Ohtani is running the whole highway—and charging a toll. The numbers aren’t just real, they’re ridiculous. Call it capitalism in cleats or marketing perfection, but one thing’s clear: everyone else is playing the game; Ohtani is rewriting the rules.

Why Shohei Ohtani has no regrets about his $700 million Dodgers deal

In an era where athletes chase every last dollar like it’s a pop fly in the ninth, one superstar decided to play a different game—one that values rings over riches and silence over splash. Critics raised eyebrows, agents sharpened pencils, and still, he shrugged. Because when you’re Shohei Ohtani, you don’t need to follow the money—you are the market.

Ohtani’s $700 million contract with the Dodgers stunned the sports world. Though the deal set a record, most of it is deferred. That means he isn’t taking home $70 million a year. Instead, his income includes a smaller salary, endorsements, and other sources. Despite this, the Japanese pitcher remains the highest-paid player in American sports history.

His agent Balelo isn’t second-guessing the decision. “Not at all. We wouldn’t do anything different,” he told the Los Angeles Times. “He won a championship. He went to the right team. Why would we do anything different? No regrets. Nothing.” For Ohtani, success isn’t just measured in cash—it’s about winning and fit.

Despite having around 20 endorsements, Ohtani turns down many more. Balelo explained, “It’s not like I’m out there pounding the pavement and soliciting companies.” He added, “After 2021 and 2022, we could have really gone crazy. That’s not who he is. He doesn’t want that.” Ohtani’s restraint proves that legacy means more to him than money.

And in a league where players chase shoe deals like fly balls, Ohtani prefers fly outs and flags. His wallet isn’t thin—it’s just patient. He doesn’t need to shout his worth; the scoreboard does that for him. Let others cash checks—Ohtani’s cashing championships. After all, what’s $700 million if you can’t spend it with a ring on your finger?