How this offseason set up future $500 million man Shohei Ohtani

This offseason has brought some historically big signings, which could work in Shohei Ohtani’s favor as he hits free agency in 2024.

The Los Angeles Angels could be in the ultimate predicament next offseason as Shohei Ohtani hits the market, as teams this offseason are setting the standards insanely high.

The signings from the market this offseason set records and brought many players long-term contracts. Aaron Judge signed a nine-year deal worth $360 million, the biggest free-agent contract in baseball history, with the New York Yankees. Three of the four big shortstops on the market signed long-term deals, no less than 11 years, worth no less than $280 million spent.

Per FanSided’s Robert Murray, Ohtani could very well sign for over $500 million:

"“Correa signed for 13 years, $350 million. Trea Turner signed for 11 years, $300 million and turned down a $342 million offer from the San Diego Padres. Aaron Judge signed for nine years, $360 million. Xander Bogaerts signed for 11 years, $280 million. The thought that Shohei Ohtani, who’s a free agent after the 2023 season, becomes the first $500 million player in baseball history is very, very real.”"

Dansby Swanson remains unsigned, but given the deals thrown to the other shortstops, he’ll likely go for a long-term, expensive contract too.

Ohtani could definitely set his standards high as he’s a rare two-way player. He’s great in the lineup and on the mound, serving as a solid designated hitter and starter. He could be utilized in multiple ways and is an MVP player, so he’s bound to reset the market himself.

Angels star Shohei Ohtani will sign for more than Aaron Judge

Ohtani’s bat isn’t as strong as Judge’s, but it’s still well above-average. This season, he slashed .273/.356/.519 for an OPS of .875.

His pitching was incredible this season as well. Ohtani produced an ERA of 2.33, batting average against of .203 and WHIP of 1.01. He won the 2021 AL MVP, and he was heavily in conversation for the award again this season. Judge ended up taking it home as he had a historic season, but Ohtani offers far more to any team that signs him.

Many teams are likely to be after him, and with the expectations set by the market this offseason, he’s bound to go for a historically high amount next winter.