Shohei Ohtani reportedly unlikely to opt out of Dodgers contract if Mark Walter sells team
The Dodgers star has a "key man" clause in his contract that allows him to leave the team if the club chairman or president of baseball operations exit the organization.
Los Angeles Dodgers chairman Mark Walter's surprise decision to sell the team has raised concerns about Shohei Ohtani's future with the organization. However, Ohtani reportedly has no intention of leaving the Dodgers even if Walter sells the team, according to a source close to Ohtani. This is due to a "key man" clause in his contract that allows him to opt out if Walter or president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman leave the team.
Ohtani's decision not to pursue a free agent status, despite his immense talent and status as a four-time MVP and two-time World Series champion, is surprising but not unexpected. The clause has been exercised by Andrew Friedman before, when he left the Tampa Bay Rays to join the Dodgers. Ohtani's endorsement deals may also be a factor in his decision to stay with the Dodgers, as he reportedly earns nine figures per year through endorsements.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
