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<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThearon W. Henderson\/Getty Images<\/span><\/small><\/div>\n Shohei Ohtani could become baseball’s first $500 million man.<\/p>\n ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez discussed Ohtani going into free agency next winter. One agent estimates the two-way star will sign a $430 million contract in his 10 years, and team executives will drop his $480 million contract in his 12 years. Estimated.<\/p>\n Others in Major League Baseball believe Ohtani will become the first player in the history of North American sports to reach the $500 million mark.<\/p>\n The Angels star is earning $30 million heading into the 2023 season. Ohtani has established himself as a generational talent worthy of a record contract, having finished in the top two in AL MVP voting in each of the last two seasons and being one of the best power hitters in baseball. , also one of his best pitchers.<\/p>\n The 28-year-old batted .273\/.356\/.519 with 34 homers and 95 RBIs, and had a 15-9 record as a pitcher with a 2.33 ERA and 1.01 whips. He struck out 219 batters in 166 innings and finished fourth in the AL Cy Young voting.<\/p>\n Of course, much of this speculation about Ohtani’s contract calls for him to remain in control. He had flashes early in his career, but injuries prevented Ohtani from taking the lead until 2021. Injury problems saw him pitch in only 12 games from 2018 to 2020. And his onslaught of power came after he hit just 47 home runs in his first three MLB seasons.<\/p>\n Injuries and poor performance could lead to this speculation being significantly overestimated. Playing has inherent risk factors.<\/p>\n However, if Ohtani continues to play at MVP level, the limits of the buyer’s market are endless.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n