AL-MVP 2021, Shohei Ohtani touched some records last season, that were once deemed unbeatable. The Japanese star has taken the crown of the best two-way player in the history of baseball, matching feats of legends like Babe Ruth.

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However, for those who firmly believe Ohtani deserves a better team than Los Angeles Angels, his earnings might support that thought. Players who are below him in the charts are way above him in terms of wages.

Shohei Ohtani’s shocking low income with his team

Shohei was the most appreciated player of the 2021 season. The 27-year-old star outperformed opponents in pitching and hitting, establishing his place as a two-way player. Smashing records with ease, Ohtani has created history with his heroics. However, when you look at his earnings, it’s nowhere close to what he deserves.

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Shohei Ohtani in action at the MLB All-Star Game 2021

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After his astonishing performance in 2021, Ohtani made only $3 million from Angels. And in the 2022 season, he will earn $5.5 million, summing up his $8.5 million deal for two years. Considering Ohtani’s net worth is $10 million, he should be earning more.

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However, the Angels cannot be blamed, as the contract was signed earlier. Ohtani will hit the free agency for the 2024 season; and hopefully, he will finally get the contract he deserves.

Should Shohei Ohtani change his team?

While they have not been able to perform up to the mark in past years, Los Angeles Angels used to be one of the best baseball teams. However, if they want Ohtani to stick with them, they will not only have to give him a raise; but also support him on the field.

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Ohtani is one of the humblest personalities in MLB, yet, the most aggressive competitor on the field. Winning will be a driving force for Ohtani who has big goals set for himself, and whichever team matches his vision, Ohtani will pick them.

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Do think Shohei deserves a better contract?

Read More: “He Was Very Thin”- Shohei Ohtani’s Dietician Claims MLB Star’s Body Transformation Has Inspired Japanese Kids

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Shreya Verma

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Shreya Verma is a US Sports Content Strategist at EssentiallySports, with a focus on Olympic sports and athlete storytelling, covering beats like tennis, gymnastics, basketball, track and field, wrestling, and more. A qualified National Level air pistol shooter, she brings the unique perspective of both an athlete and a journalist to her work. Over the past four years at EssentiallySports, she has covered some of the biggest sporting stages, from managing the Olympic Sports desk during the Winter Olympics 2022 to spearheading the US Open 2025 coverage and content strategy. In 2024, she was on the ground in Paris for the Summer Olympics, where she interviewed legends and rising stars, including Carl Lewis, Laurie Hernandez, Fred Kerley, Noah Lyles, Quincy Hall, and Grant Holloway, who memorably offered her the chance to try on his gold medal. She also connected with icons and fan favorites such as Tom Brady, Katie Ledecky, Tara Davis & Hunter Woodhall, Andy Murray, Ilona Maher, Kevon Williams, Jonathan Owens, and Neeraj Chopra, while capturing emotional family perspectives from Nellie Biles, Jordan Chiles’ mother, Suni Lee’s mother, and Katie Ledecky’s brother, Michael. Her journalism is marked by authenticity, access, and a deep passion for highlighting perseverance and human connection in sports. Inspired by Olympic champions like Allyson Felix and Vincent Hancock, Shreya continues to carve her path as a storyteller.

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