There is nothing wrong with Shohei Ohtani’s salary deferment

The Los Angeles Dodgers recently announced the details of Shohei Ohtani’s contract, and it’s quite a unique arrangement. Ohtani will be deferring $68 million of his $70 million annual salary until the last 10 years of his 10-year deal. While this may seem like a strange accounting tactic, it actually benefits both Ohtani and the Dodgers.

For Ohtani, the $2 million salary he will receive upfront is more than enough, considering the endorsement deals and sponsorships he already has. This deferment allows him to maximize his earnings in other areas while still securing a substantial long-term contract.

On the Dodgers’ side, the deferment lowers Ohtani’s luxury tax number to below $50 million. This gives them more financial flexibility to build a better team around him, enhancing their chances of success. It’s important to note that the Dodgers already had a strong team, with most of their players winning 100 games last season.

While some fans may be unhappy with this creative accounting approach, it’s important to remember that any club could have chosen to do the same. The Dodgers were the only team to step up and make this offer, proving their commitment to winning. Other teams, like the Blue Jays and Cubs, may not have the same financial freedom to make such a deal.

Critics may argue that this kind of arrangement is unfair or a bad look for the sport. However, it’s worth noting that the current collective bargaining agreement allows for these types of contracts. If fans and players want to see a change, they can negotiate for it when the CBA expires in three years.

While the owners are often blamed for the financial issues in baseball, the players’ union also plays a role in the system. Both parties need to work together to find a solution that benefits everyone involved.

Ultimately, success in baseball can’t be guaranteed by money alone. The Dodgers may have an impressive lineup with Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, but they can still go cold in the playoffs. The nature of the game means that anything can happen in a short series, and no amount of money can change that.

MLB wants this kind of uncertainty, with owners snickering at teams like the Dodgers and Mets who spend big money but still face the same odds as smaller-market teams. Fans may find joy in seeing these big-spending teams fail, claiming that their own team was more successful.

In the end, the system is working as intended. Baseball is a game of unpredictability, and no amount of money can guarantee success. The Dodgers may have had a successful decade, but they are still judged by their limited World Series success.

As fans, we need to redefine what success means in baseball. It’s not just about winning championships; it’s about the joy of the game and the excitement of the regular season. Only then can we truly appreciate the efforts of teams like the Dodgers and the talent of players like Shohei Ohtani.