MLB Rumors: Executive Thinks Ohtani Can Get $50M Per Year

Shohei Ohtani is a once-in-a-lifetime player. The Los Angeles Angels know it, and the rest of the baseball world knows it. But can the Angels re-sign him for the long term? According to MLB Insider Jon Heyman, Ohtani is looking to earn the highest annual salary in baseball history when talks get serious on a new contract. And who can blame him?

We already know that Max Scherzer registered that record with his new contract with the New York Mets, which pays him $43M annually. And Heyman says "one rival executive said he believes there are likely many teams that would pay (Ohtani) about $200 million for four years."

Yes, that's $50M per year.

But unlike Scherzer's three-year term with the Mets, Heyman says Ohtani wants "a very long deal."

Including Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon's salaries, that would give the Angels a $120M payroll — for three players. Last we checked, you need 26 to field a full major league roster. How will GM Perry Minasian make that work?

Man, Perry has some tough decisions to make. That Ohtani contract would be tough for the Angels. But he's probably worth it....but is he worth it for the Angels? I'm happy I'm not making that decision.
— FIRE NEVIN (@CantHitWRISP) June 14, 2022