Los Angeles, CA – May 9, 2025 — In a rare public statement, Shohei Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo, made waves across Major League Baseball this week by openly defending the logic and structure behind Ohtani’s historic 15-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers — a deal that raised eyebrows when it was signed and continues to draw scrutiny more than a season later.

Speaking during a media availability at Dodger Stadium ahead of the team’s series opener, Balelo addressed questions about the long-term commitment and deferred payment structure that made the contract both unique and controversial.

“There’s a reason it’s 15 years,” Balelo said. “Shohei isn’t just a short-term asset. He’s built for the long haul — physically, mentally, commercially. This deal reflects that.”

A Contract Unlike Any Other

When Ohtani signed with the Dodgers in December 2023, his contract shattered previous records, not just in size but in structure. The headline-grabbing $700 million figure includes substantial deferrals — more than $680 million of which will be paid after the 10th year of the deal.

At the time, critics questioned whether the Dodgers were risking too much on a single player, especially one recovering from a second Tommy John surgery. But Balelo doubled down on the value proposition.

“This isn’t just a baseball contract. It’s a brand partnership,” he explained. “The 15 years ensure stability, both for Shohei and the Dodgers. It gives the organization the ability to plan around a global icon who’s more than just a pitcher or DH.”

Proving the Doubters Wrong

Ohtani’s performance so far in 2025 has begun to silence some of the skeptics. Although he has yet to return to pitching post-surgery, he leads the National League in home runs and on-base percentage. His presence in the lineup has elevated the Dodgers’ offense to elite levels, and jersey sales and international media exposure have surged.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised both Ohtani’s production and his quiet leadership.

“He’s everything we hoped he’d be — and more. You can’t put a price on the work ethic, the consistency, the way he elevates the entire clubhouse,” Roberts said.

Looking to the Future

Balelo made it clear that the 15-year term was not just about rewarding Ohtani’s past or maximizing short-term value. It was a long-term bet — on health, longevity, and his unique ability to be a two-way player again.

“He’s already hitting at an MVP level. When he starts pitching again — and he will — we’ll be talking about one of the greatest dual-threat athletes in sports history, playing in one of the biggest markets on Earth,” Balelo said confidently.

With Ohtani expected to return to the mound in 2026, the Dodgers’ investment may pay off sooner than many expected. The team’s medical staff remains optimistic about his long-term health, citing a meticulous rehab process and Ohtani’s own disciplined approach.

A Model for the Future?

The declaration from Balelo comes at a time when long-term contracts are under increasing scrutiny across MLB. Some teams have begun to avoid deals exceeding 8–10 years, citing injury risks and declining late-career productivity. But Balelo believes Ohtani’s case is different.

“Shohei’s not a model. He’s the model. What we’ve done with this deal might not work for others, but for someone like him? It’s exactly right.”

Conclusion: More Than a Contract

For the Dodgers, the 15-year deal is more than just a way to secure a superstar. It’s an identity shift — a commitment to becoming the global face of baseball, anchored by the most marketable athlete the sport has seen in decades.

Whether the gamble pays off in trophies or ticket sales, one thing is clear: both Shohei Ohtani and his camp are in this for the long run — and they want the world to know it.