Shohei Ohtani's Journey: From Japan to MLB Superstar with $150M Net Worth
Shohei Ohtani stands as one of baseball's most prominent figures today. He began his career in Japan before making the leap to Major League Baseball in the United States. Over the years, Ohtani accumulated wealth through baseball salaries and lucrative brand partnerships. By 2025 and early 2026, reliable sources estimate his net worth at approximately $150 million. This impressive figure stems from his massive contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers and substantial endorsement deals.
2016–2017: Ohtani's Rise in Japan Before His MLB Dream
In 2016, Shohei Ohtani played for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan. He quickly became a star there due to his rare ability to both pitch and hit effectively. At that time, his salary remained modest compared to MLB standards. Ohtani gained recognition for his powerful pitching and impressive home runs, yet he had not amassed significant wealth. After several strong seasons, he decided to pursue his dream and higher earnings by moving to Major League Baseball in 2018.
2018–2023: Ohtani's Growth into an MLB Superstar with the Angels
Ohtani signed with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018 on a rookie contract worth about $545,000. He immediately showcased his dual-threat talent by hitting home runs and pitching, a rare feat in modern baseball. During his time with the Angels, his MLB salary saw steady growth. It increased to around $650,000 in 2019, reached a few million dollars in the early 2020s, and then soared to about $30 million in 2023 following arbitration. Throughout this period, Ohtani also started earning more from brand endorsement deals.
2024 Onwards: Ohtani's Dodgers Chapter and the Biggest Contract in Sports
In December 2023, Shohei Ohtani signed a historic 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This deal represented the largest contract in professional sports history at that time. Interestingly, almost all of the money is deferred until after the contract concludes. As a result, Ohtani currently earns only $2 million annually in salary, with the remainder scheduled for payment later in his life. He played a key role in helping the Dodgers win the 2024 World Series and continued to excel in 2025.
2021–2026: Ohtani's Endorsement Boom and Global Fame
Off the field, Shohei Ohtani generates substantial income from brand endorsements. In 2025, Forbes listed him among the highest-paid athletes globally, with off-field earnings estimated at around $100 million. He holds deals with major companies such as New Balance, Fanatics, Seiko, and Hugo Boss. These partnerships contribute significantly to his overall net worth. As of 2025–2026, his net worth is widely estimated at $150 million, and it is expected to continue growing in the future.
