Shohei Ohtani: 10 Numbers You Need To Know

Shohei Ohtani. He’s arguably the greatest baseball player of all time. But because he’s Japanese, and because baseball has been relegated to niche status, Americans are just now taking note. Here’s what you need to know, aided in part by the brilliant folks at The Athletic.

 

1994

The year Shohei Ohtani was born in Ōshū, Iwate, Japan.

 

2013

The year Ohtani debuted in Nippon Professional Baseball, the highest level of baseball in Japan. He quickly made a name for himself as both a position player and a pitcher, largely considered to be mutually exclusive at that level.

 

2018

The year Ohtani debuted in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Los Angeles Angels. He continued as both a hitter and pitcher and was named American League Rookie of the Year.

 

148

Ohtani’s career OPS+ as of December 2023, fourth best among active MLB hitters with as many plate appearances.

 

142

Ohtani’s career ERA+ as of December 2023, fourth best among active MLB starting pitchers with as many innings pitched.

(Yes, that means he’s the fourth best hitter and fourth best pitcher in Major League Baseball. And yes, that’s why the Babe Ruth comparisons are reasonable.)

 

2

The number of times Ohtani has won the American League Most Valuable Player Award (2021 and 2023).

 

1

The number of times Ohtani has played in the World Baseball Classic, that being in 2023. He calmly pitched the ninth inning of the final game, earning Japan the title and himself the tournament’s Most Valuable Player Award.

 

$700 million

The value of the 10-year contract that resulted from the above accomplishments, signed in 2023 with the other Los Angeles team—the Los Angeles Dodgers—and amounting to the largest contract in sports history.

(Sure, some of it is deferred, allowing inflation to depress the value a bit, but c’mon.)

 

$40 million

The approximate amount Ohtani made in endorsement deals in 2023. That number is expected to rise.

 

0

The number of MLB players with more jersey sales than Ohtani in 2023. That number is not expected to rise.

 

In other words, you’re looking at the Taylor Swift of baseball.