Shohei Ohtani's professional baseball career spans both Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and Major League Baseball (MLB).
NPB Career with Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters
2013-2017
Ohtani played for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in NPB, winning the 2016 Japan Series and posting impressive statistics as both a pitcher and hitter.
MLB Debut with Los Angeles Angels
March 29, 2018
Ohtani made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Angels, marking the beginning of his career in the United States.
First AL MVP Award
2021
Ohtani won his first American League Most Valuable Player Award, recognizing his exceptional performance as both a pitcher and hitter.
Second AL MVP Award and World Baseball Classic MVP
2023
Ohtani won his second AL MVP Award and was named the MVP of the 2023 World Baseball Classic, leading Japan to victory over the United States.
Signing with Los Angeles Dodgers
December 2023
Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, making it the largest contract in professional sports history at the time.
First MLB Postseason Appearance and NL MVP Award
2024
Ohtani made his first MLB postseason appearance and was unanimously named the 2024 National League MVP, becoming the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a season.
