MLB Rumors: Executive Thinks Ohtani Can Get $50M Per Year


Shohei Ohtani is a once-in-a-lifetime player. The Los Angeles Angels know it, and the rest of the baseball world knows it. But can the Angels re-sign him for the long term? According to MLB Insider Jon Heyman, Ohtani is looking to earn the highest annual salary in baseball history when talks get serious on a new contract. And who can blame him?

We already know that Max Scherzer registered that record with his new contract with the New York Mets, which pays him $43M annually. And Heyman says "one rival executive said he believes there are likely many teams that would pay (Ohtani) about $200 million for four years."

Yes, that's $50M per year. 

But unlike Scherzer's three-year term with the Mets, Heyman says Ohtani wants "a very long deal."

Including Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon's salaries, that would give the Angels a $120M payroll — for three players. Last we checked, you need 26 to field a full major league roster. How will GM Perry Minasian make that work?

Ohtani can become a free agent after the 2023 season, so the Angels have some time to figure this out. 

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