{
  "id": 809064,
  "title": "Shohei Ohtani reportedly unlikely to opt out of Dodgers contract if Mark Walter sells team",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/shohei-ohtani-reportedly-unlikely-to-opt-out-of-dodgers-contract-if",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-13T21:42:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/article/shohei-ohtani-reportedly-unlikely-to-opt-out-of-dodgers-contract-if-mark-walter-sells-team-214220251.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [
    "Shohei Ohtani unlikely to opt out of Dodgers contract",
    "Key man clause in contract allows opt-out if Walter or Friedman leave",
    "Ohtani's endorsement deals may influence his decision to stay"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Will Shohei Ohtani pitch soon? Dave Roberts provides update on Dodgers star",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/will-shohei-ohtani-pitch-soon-dave-roberts-provides-update-on-dodgers",
        "published": "2026-08-14T00:54:17.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}