Angels News: Shohei Ohtani Dominates MLB Off-Field in 2 Major Categories

When we think of the most popular players that are currently dominating the MLB right now, everybody looks at our very own Mike Trout along with the likes of Mookie Betts and Aaron Judge. All of these superstars have already made their impact on the game of baseball and will continue to do so during their prime years but one player has risen above them all.

Even people who don't partake in watching baseball games likely know who Shohei Ohtani is. Whether it be his stellar WBC run that ended in a championship or the fact that he's set to break American sports records with his next contract, many know the 28-year-old icon at this point.

One MLB executive on an ESPN panel predicts Shohei Ohtani to sign an 11-year, $605 million contract.

That’s $55 million a year, and would shatter the record for the largest contract in American sports history.

He would likely make close to $100 million a year with endorsements. pic.twitter.com/ppEUIP5or8
— MLB Metrics (@MLBMetrics) May 8, 2023

He is currently the face of the New Balance brand along with NBA star Kawhi Leonard and his image has blown up due to the vast support from his home country of Japan.

Therefore, it should come as no surprise that his follower count on Instagram is virtually untouchable by any other baseball player right now. He leads the way with 5.5 million and Trout comes in at a "close" second with 2.1 million.

Shohei Ohtani appreciation #dataviz 🧵

He has more than 2x as many Instagram followers as any other baseball player (1/4) pic.twitter.com/Sa6vGteeM8
— Lev Akabas (@LevAkabas) May 9, 2023

We are living in the social media era and if following Ohtani on Instagram will give fans a glimpse into his everyday life and allow them to connect with him at a deeper level, they are all for it.

I mentioned New Balance earlier and along with his shoe deal with them, he is also endorsed by BOSS and Fanatics. Thanks to these contracts and a couple of other brands investing their revenue in him, Ohtani also brings in close to $70 million per year in off-field earnings.

He once again leads the league in that category.

Ohtani’s estimated off-field earnings are nearly 6x what anyone else in baseball makes ⚾️💰

Michael Jordan was 3x to 4x ahead of every other basketball player in the 90s. Tiger and Federer earned ~2x what anyone else in their sports made (2/4) pic.twitter.com/rJQiYro5zr
— Lev Akabas (@LevAkabas) May 9, 2023

Hard work does indeed pay off kids.