The biggest prize in MLB’s free agent market moved the legal sports betting markets with Saturday’s huge announcement.
Baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani has officially inked a monumental 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, as revealed by his agent.
On the eve of the announcement, various U.S. online sportsbooks had the Los Angeles Dodgers either equal to or trailing the Atlanta Braves as favorites to clinch the championship in 2024.
FanDuel and DraftKings have since both adjusted their odds, moving the Dodgers from +700 pre-signing to +550 post-announcement, putting Los Angeles ahead of the Braves (+650) to win the World Series.
Shohei Ohtani
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) December 9, 2023
Mookie Betts
Freddie Freeman
The LA Dodgers odds to win the World Series has moved from +700 ➡️ +550 pic.twitter.com/QaYXR1MIhl
Meanwhile, BetRivers went from +700 to +600 on the Dodgers, who are also anywhere from +300 to +200 to win the National League in 2024 across the market.
One of the best
Multiple reports had Ohtani heading to the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday, but he ultimately chose to stay on the West Coast.
Ohtani is a two-time MVP for the Angels and a rare spectacle in baseball with his ability to hit and pitch at high levels. The 29-year-old compiled a slash line of .304/.412/.654 in 2023, accompanied by 44 home runs and 95 RBI.
On the mound, Ohtani posted a 10-5 record with a 3.14 ERA last season. However, the Japanese phenom's 2024 pitching prospects were dashed when he underwent Tommy John Surgery in September, ruling him out as a pitcher for the season.
Ohtani now boasts the most lucrative contract in baseball history, eclipsing the $426 million deal of former teammate Mike Trout.
The Dodgers not only get a great player but an extremely marketable one who will increase their brand in the U.S. and internationally.
Statement from Nez Balelo (Ohtani's agent at CAA). pic.twitter.com/4MKWD6HPHL
— JJ Cooper (@jjcoop36) December 9, 2023
Race for NL MVP
One of the game's biggest names is now joining forces with outfielder Mookie Betts, who finished second in the NL MVP voting, as well as star first baseman Freddie Freeman.
Los Angeles finally necked out in front of a Braves team that won an MLB-best 104 games last season. Still, the Braves return the majority of their starting pitching and lineup, which includes reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr.
Acuna was likely going to be the favorite to win the same award in 2024, but with Ohtani moving to the NL, that may no longer be in the cards.
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