In a thrilling late-night encounter, the Los Angeles Dodgers secured a pivotal 2-1 lead in the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, thanks to Freddie Freeman’s stunning walk-off home run in the 18th inning. The match showcased extraordinary performances, particularly from Shohei Ohtani, who had an unprecedented game, shattering records while simultaneously highlighting the paradox of his salary in the postseason.
Unforgettable Performance by Shohei Ohtani
In a grueling contest that began at 8:00 PM EST and stretched into the early hours, Shohei Ohtani exhibited a performance that defies conventional description. The Dodgers star went 5-for-5 at the plate, hitting two home runs, scoring three runs, and driving in three RBIs, all while drawing five walks, four of which were intentional—tying a Major League Baseball record last set by Barry Bonds in 1998. Ohtani reached base a record-breaking nine times during the game, eclipsing Kenny Lofton’s previous World Series record of six.
Ohtani’s landmark achievements this postseason add to an already impressive résumé. Many analysts and fans consider him the greatest baseball player in history, a status underscored by his unprecedented three consecutive MVP awards awarded from 2021 to 2024. With expectations to add more accolades in the years to come, Ohtani’s career milestones may soon surpass those of legendary slugger Barry Bonds, notably his all-time home run record of 762.
Despite his incredible talent and popularity, Ohtani’s financial compensation tells a very different story.
Salary Surprises in the World Series
With 52 active players on the rosters of the Dodgers and Blue Jays, research revealed that Ohtani’s $2 million annual salary places him at a surprising rank of 29 among his peers in the 2025 World Series. To put this in perspective, he earns less than many role players, including Eric Lauer, a journeyman pitcher who saw inconsistent performance before returning to major league play.
Lauer, who has had a less than illustrious journey through various leagues, including time spent pitching in Korea, currently outstrips Ohtani’s salary by a substantial margin of $200,000, showcasing the discrepancies in player compensation. While Ohtani’s contract with the Dodgers is valued at a staggering $700 million over ten years—the largest in sports history when signed—most of that amount is deferred, meaning he takes home only a fraction of it now.
Under the terms of his deal, a mere $2 million will be paid out to Ohtani during this contract’s duration, with the remaining $68 million distributed from 2034 to 2043. Therefore, while technically ranked 29th in salary among World Series players, Ohtani remains a financial juggernaut off the field, reportedly earning around $50 million in endorsements annually.
As the Dodgers look to extend their series lead, all eyes will remain on Ohtani, who is also scheduled to pitch in Game 4, ensuring he continues to dominate headlines, both on and off the field.
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