Shohei Ohtani’s atypical Dodgers contract sparks criticism and internal tension

Shohei Ohtani’s ten‑year, $7 billion deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers includes a highly unusual structure in which 97 % of the money is deferred, meaning his on‑field salary for the first three seasons is about $6 million (≈600 million yen). U.S. fans and media highlighted the contrast between the massive total value and the low yearly pay, with some calling the arrangement “unbelievable” but praising Ohtani’s willingness to prioritize team success.

Meanwhile, veteran outfielder Kyle Tucker has drawn sharp criticism after a disappointing first season, with Dodgers media noting his performance falls far short of expectations for a contract described by some as “one of the worst in baseball.” Manager Dave Roberts linked Tucker’s struggles to the pressure of playing alongside stars like Ohtani.

Catcher Dalton Rushing, who recently had a public disagreement with Ohtani, spoke about his emotional approach to the game and the club’s “no‑excuses” culture. He emphasized the need to balance personal expression with team expectations, adding another layer of internal tension within the Dodgers clubhouse.

The contract’s structure has also been credited with giving the Dodgers financial flexibility that helped them win back‑to‑back World Series titles, while Ohtani’s off‑field earnings from endorsements remain among the highest in sport.