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Ohtani vs. Soto: Who's Worth the $700M?
18 Dec
Summary
- Analyst questions Soto's $765M deal compared to Ohtani's $700M.
- Japanese culture's spending power boosts Ohtani's commercial value.
- Dodgers' team value rose $850M after Ohtani's first season.
Analyst Jake Savicki contends that Shohei Ohtani is the sole player warranting a $700 million contract, considering both athletic and commercial factors. Savicki suggests that fan loyalty and spending capacity in Japanese culture significantly amplify Ohtani's market value beyond his on-field performance. In contrast, he posits that Dominican fans, while passionate about baseball, exhibit less willingness or ability to financially support superstars compared to their Japanese counterparts.
This difference is reflected in team valuations, with the Dodgers' worth surging by $850 million after Ohtani's inaugural season. The Mets' valuation increased by only $200 million after acquiring Juan Soto. Savicki expresses doubt that Soto will deliver a comparable $1.5 billion increase in team value, as Ohtani did in his second season with the Dodgers.
As of the 2025 season, Ohtani and the Dodgers achieved a second consecutive World Series victory and NL MVP award for Ohtani. Meanwhile, Soto's Mets narrowly missed the playoffs, and he finished third in MVP voting. The rivalry between these two colossal talents is set to continue in 2026.
