Shohei Ohtani's Market Value Takes a Hit: Uncertain Future after Elbow Injury

MLB Superstar's Contract Prospects Dim as Elbow Concerns Rise

In a surprising turn of events, the market value of baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani (29, Los Angeles Angels) has taken a significant plunge due to an unfortunate elbow injury.

As the 2023 MLB season comes to a close, insiders from multiple MLB teams have speculated that Ohtani's value as a free agent (FA) will be considerably lower than initially anticipated, according to interviews conducted by MLB.com with league executives.

Initial expectations had pegged Ohtani as a potential candidate for a groundbreaking contract exceeding $500 million, a first in MLB history. However, recent developments have cast doubt on this possibility.

A National League (NL) team executive noted, "Ohtani's value has dropped by half," adding, "It remains uncertain whether teams would be willing to invest a substantial sum in a pitcher who has undergone two elbow surgeries."

An American League (AL) executive echoed this sentiment, emphasizing, "This injury will undeniably impact the scale of Ohtani's contract," and stated, "If Ohtani undergoes surgery, he won't be able to pitch in the 2024 season. He'll likely only be able to play as a designated hitter for at least one season."

Another NL team executive shared concerns about the potential consequences on contract terms based on the severity of the injury, suggesting, "Even without undergoing surgery, there's a risk that the injury could worsen, leading to substantial changes in the contract."

Nevertheless, considering Ohtani's symbolic and marketing value, his capabilities as both a batter and a pitcher, and the possibility of a pitching comeback, there are still differing opinions that believe his player value remains substantial.

A representative from an NL team commented, "Many teams are still interested in acquiring Ohtani," and added, "The broader framework of a long-term contract might not change significantly. Ohtani's side could opt for a one-year major deal and then aim for a long-term contract later."

After undergoing detailed examinations including post-game MRI scans, it was confirmed that Ohtani had suffered elbow ligament damage. However, a decision regarding surgery is pending. Ohtani plans to await further examination results before making a final call.

If Ohtani undergoes elbow ligament surgery, he would face over a year of dedicated rehabilitation. The challenge lies in the fact that Ohtani has already undergone a similar surgery once before.

In the aftermath of the 2018 season, Ohtani underwent surgery and returned as a pitcher in July 2020. He resumed his role as a designated hitter until his elbow ligament healed.

Ohtani is set to obtain his first-ever FA eligibility after the conclusion of the current season.

Experts had previously predicted that Ohtani, prior to his injury, would secure a long-term contract exceeding $500 million after the close of this season. However, the landscape has shifted, leaving uncertainty about his future prospects.