Why is Shohei Ohtani Not in the Home Run Derby? The Reasons Explained Here
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Updated Jul 16, 2024
Why is Shohei Ohtani Not in the Home Run Derby?
Shohei Ohtani is not joining the Home Run Derby this year because he is focusing on recovering from an injured elbow and only hitting, not pitching. He said he's in the middle of rehab and won't be able to participate. Last year, he took part but didn't go far. This year, the Derby is in Texas.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts mentioned Ohtani's priority is getting back to full strength to help the team win. He's been hitting well this season, hitting a two-run homer recently. Roberts explained that the Derby might interfere with Ohtani's recovery, so he decided not to risk it, even though fans would love to see him play.
Who is Shohei Ohtani?
Shohei Ohtani, born on July 5, 1994, is a Japanese baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Major League Baseball (MLB). He's known as "Shotime" and has played for the Los Angeles Angels and the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan. Ohtani is special because he's great at hitting and pitching, which is rare in baseball.
His seasons in 2021, 2022, and 2023 are considered some of the best, like Babe Ruth's early career. Ohtani started in Japan with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, joining them in 2013 after being their top draft pick in 2012. He played as both a pitcher and an outfielder and helped them win the Japan Series in 2016.
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| Name | Shohei Ohtani |
| Date of Birth | July 5, 1994 |
| Age | 30 |
| Place of Birth | Ōshū, Iwate, Japan |
| Team and Jersey No | Los Angeles Dodgers, No. 17 |
| Position | Pitcher / Designated hitter |
| Bats | Left |
| Throws | Right |
Ohtani Home Run Derby 2021
In 2021, Ohtani hit six homers over 500 feet, setting a new record in the Derby. He also made history by being chosen as an All-Star both as a pitcher and a position player in 2021 and 2022 with the Los Angeles Angels. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts mentioned that Ohtani doesn't carry baseball alone; he contributes every day.
He said playing daily while recovering from an injury is strict, so something like the Home Run Derby, which is unusual, needs careful planning. He added it would be disappointing for Ohtani, the Dodgers, and fans if something went wrong during such an event, even though it's mostly for fun.
Shohei Ohtani Contract
Shohei Ohtani signed a special 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in December. For the next 10 years, he'll earn $2 million each year. The rest, $680 million, will be paid in $68 million parts starting in 2034, on July 1 every year until 2043. Before he signed, Ohtani talked to GQ Japan in November, and the interview came out later.
He said he wants to keep playing baseball for another 10 years, maybe until he's 39 or 40. He loves baseball and wants to keep loving it even after he retires. His interview might make Dodgers fans feel better about the contract and how long it is.
Shohei Ohtani Home Runs 2024
In 2024, Shohei Ohtani isn't breaking any records, aiming for a 50-home run season with the Dodgers. His stats show a strong performance: batting .320, with a .402 on-base percentage, .646 slugging percentage, and hitting 27 home runs, 22 doubles, 64 RBIs, and stealing 16 bases.
We're tracking every home run he hits until the season ends, with details like the date, pitcher, opponent, and distance for each homer. So far, Ohtani has hit 28 home runs this season. His longest homer in 2024 was a 493-foot blast against the Arizona Diamondbacks, marking the longest home run in MLB this year.
Net worth
Shohei Ohtani, a baseball star from Japan, has a net worth of $50 million. He plays as a pitcher, outfielder, and designated hitter. Recently, in December 2023, he signed a huge contract with the LA Dodgers worth $700 million over 10 years. This deal includes earning only $2 million in salary upfront, with the rest paid later, starting in 2034.
Besides baseball, Ohtani also earns $40–50 million annually from endorsements. Shohei Ohtani is well-known for his talent on the field and his lucrative endorsements off the field, making him one of the highest-earning players in baseball today.
Career
In 2012, Shohei Ohtani played for Japan's Under-18 National Team in the Baseball World Cup in Seoul, where they finished sixth. Three years later, he earned a bronze medal in the inaugural WBSC Premier12 tournament with Japan's national team, showcasing his pitching skills against rivals like South Korea.
Despite an ankle injury forcing him out of the 2017 World Baseball Classic, Ohtani returned strong in 2023. He played a key role in Japan's victory, clinching the championship with a final strikeout against his own MLB teammate, Mike Trout, and was named MVP for his exceptional hitting and pitching performance throughout the tournament.
