Giants Legend Buster Posey Suggests San Francisco’s State Played a Role in Ohtani’s Decision
Shohei Ohtani, the star Japanese baseball player, has signed a groundbreaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This deal, which was also offered to him by other teams, solidifies Ohtani’s commitment to Southern California and his preference for the city of Los Angeles.
Buster Posey, a former Giants legend, recently shared his thoughts on Ohtani’s decision. While Ohtani never expressed any concerns about San Francisco, Posey noted that “there was some reservation with the state of the city right now” within Ohtani’s camp. The city’s issues with crime and drugs, as well as a general uneasiness felt by players and their families, seem to have influenced Ohtani’s free agency decision.
Contributing to the discussion, former professional wrestler and Fox News contributor Tyrus highlighted the challenges faced by San Francisco, as well as other cities like Washington D.C. He described driving in San Francisco as a battle and emphasized the homeless crisis, referring to the city as a “walking minefield of human feces.” Tyrus also noted the criminal element and shared an example of needing a coupon to purchase toothpaste at a Walgreens due to theft concerns. These factors, among others, have contributed to fans feeling unsafe and ultimately impacting player decisions.
While Los Angeles has its own issues, Tyrus pointed out that its vastness allows individuals to distance themselves from problems more easily. In terms of Ohtani’s choice to join the Dodgers, Tyrus highlighted the lucrative opportunities available in LA, particularly in Hollywood, which may have factored into Ohtani’s decision-making process.
Ohtani’s Unconventional Contract Details Generate Buzz
In addition to his choice of team, the details of Ohtani’s contract have also attracted attention. According to The Athletic, Ohtani has agreed to defer all but $2 million of his annual salary until the contract’s expiration. This means that $68 million will be paid annually, without interest, from 2034 to 2043.
Ohtani explained his reasoning behind this unconventional arrangement, stating, “I felt like if I can defer as much money as possible, it would help the collective bargaining tax and allow the Dodgers to sign better players and build a stronger team. I believed it was worth it, and that’s why I made that choice.”
This unprecedented deferral of money will decrease the amount of Ohtani’s contract that counts towards the luxury tax, as reported by The Associated Press. The financial maneuvering showcases Ohtani’s commitment to enabling the Dodgers to strengthen their roster and compete at the highest level.
Overall, Ohtani’s decision to sign a monumental contract with the Dodgers has not only made headlines but also sparked discussions surrounding the factors influencing free agents’ choices and the innovative ways in which contracts are structured.
Contributor: Ryan Morik (Fox News)