Shohei Ohtani Unlikely to Opt Out of Dodgers Contract Amid Ownership Speculation

Los Angeles Dodgers fans can remain calm as reports suggest that superstar Shohei Ohtani is unlikely to opt out of his contract if majority owner Mark Walter sells his stake in the team.

Ohtani's contract, signed in December 2023, is valued at $700 million, with $680 million deferred, resulting in an average annual payroll impact of just $2 million. The contract includes a 'key man' clause that allows Ohtani to opt out if Walter sells the team or if Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman is no longer in his role.

This speculation follows Walter's recent sale of the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers for approximately $12.5 billion, having acquired a majority stake in the franchise in October 2025 for about $10 billion. Ohtani has had a standout season, hitting 27 home runs and achieving a 1.79 ERA as a pitcher, although he has not pitched since July 3 due to a knee injury. The Dodgers currently lead the NL West with a record of 73-49.