Shohei Ohtani, a Japanese baseball star who has recently been embroiled in a scandal involving theft allegations against his former interpreter, has risen to become one of the most celebrated figures in the world of baseball over the last few years. Ohtani was born in Mizusawa, Japan and showed promise in baseball from a young age, excelling in high school before starting his professional career with Japan’s Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in 2013. In 2018, he made the leap to Major League Baseball, joining the Los Angeles Angels.
In a groundbreaking move in December, Ohtani signed a historic 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking one of the largest deals in professional sports history. Known for his dual prowess as a pitcher and designated hitter, Ohtani was awarded the American League’s Most Valuable Player title in 2021 and 2023. This made him the first player in league history to achieve at least 45 homers, 25 stolen bases and five triples in a single season.
Ohtani’s success on the field has translated into lucrative advertising deals. The athlete boasts over a dozen partnerships worldwide that generate an estimated $35 million in annual endorsement earnings. Brands such as Boss, Fanatics and Seiko Watch have aligned themselves with Ohtani, capitalizing on his popularity and talent. Despite undergoing elbow surgery in the offseason, Ohtani is poised to return to pitching in 2025.
