Early Life
Ohtani turned professional in Japan with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in 2013.
Career
Known as a two-way player, he moved to Major League Baseball with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018 and was named AL Rookie of the Year, then won the unanimous AL MVP award in 2021 and 2023. He signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2023, most of it deferred. In 2024 he became the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a season, won the National League MVP award and won the World Series with the Dodgers.
Legacy
Ohtani was also a member of Japan's team that won the 2023 World Baseball Classic and was named the tournament's MVP.
Sources and further reading
Last updated: 2026-09-24