Shohei Ohtani’s Endorsement Income Is Higher Than Some MLB Team Payrolls

When Shohei Ohtani deferred almost all of his $700 million contract, it was seen as act of selflessness to ensure his new team could remain competitive for other free agents. Giving up hundreds of millions of dollars in inflationary losses is not something most players do, and for good reason. 

But most players aren't getting the endorsement money Ohtani is getting.

Earlier this season, Sportico estimated that Ohtani was set to receive around $65 million in money from advertising and branding deals with Hugo Boss, New Balance and other companies.

READ: Shohei Ohtani Raking In Jaw Dropping Endorsement Money This Season

A new report from The Athletic and Ken Rosenthal though, put the actual figure substantially higher.

According to Rosenthal, thanks to his first season playing with the higher profile Los Angeles Dodgers, his endorsement income has skyrocketed. According to an "industry source" who spoke to Rosenthal, he's "nearing $100 million annually in endorsements with the potential to exceed that figure."

That $2 million he's making in salary doesn't sound so low now, does it.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 07:  Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers in action during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on June 07, 2024 in New York City. The Dodgers defeated the Yankees 2-1 in eleven innings. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Context On Shohei Ohtani's Earnings Is Remarkable

To put that endorsement income in perspective, we can compare it to what entire Major League Baseball teams are spending on salary commitments. 

He's earning more than five entire teams are spending on their entire rosters. Literally.

Cleveland, Baltimore, Tampa, Pittsburgh and Oakland all spend less than Ohtani makes in annual endorsements.

It's a remarkable statistic and shows the value of being an international brand in a way few other big leaguers are. His ability to influence the massive Japanese market is so unique relatively to domestic stars that virtually every aspect of his equipment and off-field clothing has immense value.

And through the middle part of the season, he's earning every penny. Ohtani is the NL MVP frontrunner, with 30 homers, a .313 batting average, .400 on base percentage and an NL-best 5.3 WAR. Given his expected statistics show he's actually been somewhat unlucky, there may be somehow even more offensive production to come. He's also carried the Dodgers through injury after injury to an 8.5 game division lead and a possible first round playoff bye.

Money well spent.