Shohei Ohtani is one of the biggest names in baseball today. He started his career in Japan and then came to the United States to play in MLB. Over the years, he made money from baseball paychecks and big brand deals. By 2025 and early 2026, many reliable sources estimate his net worth at about $150 million thanks to his Dodgers contract and huge endorsements.
2016–2017: Shohei Ohtani’s rise in Japan before his MLB dream
In 2016, Ohtani was playing for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan. He was already a star there because he could pitch and hit at the same time. At that time, his salary was modest compared to MLB pay. He became known for strong pitching and big home runs, but he did not have the wealth yet. After a few good seasons, he chose to move to Major League Baseball in the United States in 2018 to chase his dream and bigger pay.
2018–2023: How Shohei Ohtani grew into an MLB superstar with the Angels
Ohtani signed with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018 on a small rookie contract of about $545,000. He hit home runs and also pitched, which is very rare. Over the years with the Angels, his MLB salary grew: around $650,000 in 2019, a few million in the early 2020s, and then about $30 million in 2023 after arbitration. Around this time, he also began earning more money from brand deals.
2024 onwards: Shohei Ohtani’s Dodgers chapter and the biggest contract in sports
In December 2023, Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This was the largest contract in professional sports history at the time, but almost all of the money is deferred until after the contract ends. This means Ohtani only earns a 2 million dollar salary each year now, with the rest paid later in his life. He helped the Dodgers win the 2024 World Series and continued shining in 2025.
2021–2026: Shohei Ohtani’s endorsement boom and global fame story
Off the field, Shohei Ohtani earns much more from brand deals. In 2025, Forbes listed him as one of the highest-paid athletes globally with around $100 million in off-field earnings. He has deals with companies like New Balance, Fanatics, Seiko, Hugo Boss, and others. These deals make up a big part of his net worth. As of 2025–2026, his net worth is widely estimated around $150 million, and it is likely to grow even more in the future. Also Read: Kyle Tucker And Samantha Tucker Combined Net Worth: Inside The Chicago Cubs Star Wealth, MLB Contracts, Love Story And More
About the Author
