The Texas Rangers are being considered as a potential destination for Shohei Ohtani, the coveted free agent, and ESPN has suggested a unique contract framework that could make this partnership a reality. Ohtani, who faced a UCL injury in September, is not expected to pitch in the 2024 season but intends to return to the mound in 2025 after a full recovery.
Given Ohtani’s exceptional dual-threat capabilities and the uncertainty surrounding the longevity of his ability to both pitch and hit, teams are exploring innovative contract structures. ESPN proposed five potential contract frameworks for Ohtani, and the Texas Rangers were linked to a model labeled “high price, high incentives.”
This proposed Rangers deal draws inspiration from the contract of Seattle Mariners standout Julio Rodriguez, a unique 12-year, $219.3 million deal that could escalate to $469.3 million over 17 years based on incentives. ESPN envisions a similar structure for Ohtani, where the first five years start with a substantial $250 million, positioning him as the league’s first $50 million-per-year player. The remaining five years could be triggered based on Ohtani’s performance, MVP and Cy Young votes, with a potential range of $150 million to $300 million. This results in an overall contract range of $400 to $550 million for Ohtani.
The rationale behind the Rangers being a suitable fit for this contract structure lies in their financial situation. The Rangers, recent World Series champions, are committed to substantial contracts for players like Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, and Jacob deGrom, with payments extending from 2026 to 2028. Balancing these commitments, especially with promising young players expected to command significant salaries, makes the suggested contract structure appealing. It would provide the Rangers with financial flexibility in the later years of the deal while securing Ohtani’s services during his prime.
If Ohtani returns to form, the Rangers stand to gain a player with an impressive track record, including two MVP awards, with his outstanding 2023 season culminating in a .304/.412/.654/1.066 slash line, 44 home runs, and 95 RBIs. As a pitcher, he posted a 10-5 record with a 3.14 ERA, 167 strikeouts, and 55 walks. The proposed contract not only recognizes Ohtani’s unique talents but also addresses the financial considerations and roster planning for the Texas Rangers, making it a compelling scenario for both parties.
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