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Ohtani Rewrites MLB Power Play
11 Jan
Summary
- Ohtani acts as a partner, not just an employee, shaping team strategy.
- Deferred salary allowed Dodgers financial flexibility for elite talent acquisition.
- Ohtani's influence could usher in a new era of player-driven team building.
Shohei Ohtani is fundamentally altering Major League Baseball's team-building dynamics, positioning himself as a powerful partner rather than just an employee of the Los Angeles Dodgers. His vision for constructing a super team was established upon his arrival two winters ago, influencing the organization's aggressive acquisition strategy.
Central to this influence is Ohtani's monumental $700 million contract, with $680 million deferred. This financial maneuver granted the Dodgers significant flexibility, which General Manager Andrew Friedman has expertly utilized to surround Ohtani with top-tier talent, contributing to their consecutive World Series titles.
Ohtani's impact extends beyond the Dodgers, potentially heralding a new era where generational players have a greater say in roster construction. This model's attractiveness is growing across MLB, prompting other franchises to seek similarly culture-altering talents and signaling a shift in power towards star players.
