Shohei Ohtani is moving just 31 miles for his next work address, but also into another stratosphere.
The most closely followed free agency in MLB history concluded Saturday when the two-way star reached agreement with the Dodgers on a 10-year contract worth a record $700 million.
Ohtani announced his decision in a statement.
“To all the fans and everyone involved in the baseball world, I apologize for taking so long to come to a decision,” Ohtani said. “I have decided to choose the Dodgers as my next team.”
Ohtani’s deal includes “unprecedented” deferrals — including the majority of his salary, according to sources — allowing the Dodgers the financial flexibility for other moves.
Ohtani, 29, had no shortage of suitors, including at one point the Mets.
Ohtani, with the Angels, won his second American League MVP award last season after posting a .304/.412/.654 slash line with 44 homers and 95 RBIs in 135 games.
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