• Shohei Ohtani could have signed a 15-year contract, but he opted for a shorter deal to maintain his performance integrity.
• Ohtani's agent addressed rumors of Ohtani going to Toronto and signing with the Blue Jays, calling them reckless reporting.
• Ohtani's endorsement earnings have jumped to $100 million this year, but he prioritizes on-field performance and family.

At Sportico's Invest West conference, Shohei Ohtani's agent, Nez Balelo, provided insights into the negotiations surrounding Ohtani's $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Balelo explained that Ohtani could have pursued a 15-year deal but prioritized maintaining a high level of performance throughout the contract. Balelo also addressed rumors during Ohtani's free agency and highlighted the player's focus on baseball and family.

• What: Shohei Ohtani's agent, Nez Balelo, revealed that Ohtani could have pursued a 15-year contract but chose not to, in order to maintain his playing integrity. Balelo also addressed rumors about Ohtani's free agency and his endorsement earnings.
• Who: Key individuals: Shohei Ohtani, Nez Balelo, Juan Soto, Ben Verlander. Key organizations: Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets, CAA Sports, FOX Sports, Sportico.
• When: May 8, 2025: Balelo spoke at Sportico's Invest West conference. December 2023: Ohtani signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
• Where: INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- Intuit Dome, home of the NBA's LA Clippers (Sportico's Invest West conference location).

Nez Balelo's insights provide valuable context regarding Ohtani's decision-making process during contract negotiations. Ohtani's priority in maintaining his performance level over securing a longer, potentially less impactful contract demonstrates a commitment to his athletic career and legacy. Addressing the Toronto rumor serves to correct misinformation and highlights the challenges agents face in controlling narratives during high-profile free agency periods. The revelation about Ohtani's endorsement earnings underscores his marketability and influence beyond the baseball field.

"We could have went to 13, 14, 15 years. But Shohei wanted to always kind of keep the integrity of where he's at as a player. He just didn't want to have the end of his storybook career tail off and then on year 13, 14 and 15, it's just like who is this guy? You can't even run down first and he's not a guy anymore."

"Well, that was reckless reporting. We actually tried to let the individual know, 'No, we're not on a plane,'"

Shohei Ohtani's unwavering commitment to peak performance, evidenced by prioritizing skill maintenance over contract length, underscores his deep respect for the game and his own legacy. His agent's transparency regarding the complexities of negotiations, particularly Ohtani's unique deferred payment structure, reveals a strategic approach designed to benefit both the player and the team, reinforcing Ohtani's commitment to winning and enabling the Dodgers to build a competitive roster. This unprecedented contract, coupled with his continued dominance on the field and burgeoning endorsement portfolio exceeding $100 million annually, solidifies Ohtani's status as not just a top athlete, but a global icon whose influence transcends baseball, impacting marketing, fan engagement, and even inspiring new approaches to player contracts. His decision to prioritize team success and long-term performance integrity over immediate financial gain sets a new precedent for athletes, further cementing his place as a singular force in sports and culture.