Angels sign Shohei Ohtani to two-year, $8.5M deal

[February 09, 2021]    The Los Angeles Angels avoided arbitration by signing two-way star Shohei Ohtani to a two-year, $8.5 million deal, the club announced Monday.

Ohtani will make $3 million this season and $5.5 million next season, both guaranteed. The 2018 AL Rookie of the Year had sought $3.3 million this season vs. the Angels' offer of $2.5 million.

Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after being called out on strikes against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Ohtani, 26, was billed as the player to revolutionize the game as a pitcher and power-hitting outfielder/designated hitter. But Tommy John surgery came after just 10 appearances on the mound in 2018.

Ohtani didn't pitch at all in 2019 and made just two appearances last season due to injury.

The hitting side of Ohtani struggled last season as well. He hit .190 in 44 games with just seven home runs and 24 RBIs.

Ohtani hit .285/.361/.564 with 22 home runs and 61 RBIs in 104 games in the field as a rookie. He went 4-2 with a 3.31 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 51 2/3 innings in those 10 appearances.

It's expected Ohtani will pitch once a week this season as the Angels go with a six-man rotation.

(Field Level Media)

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