LA Dodgers owner Mark Walter’s mounting problems could force him to sell his MLB franchise, which might put the future of the league’s best player in jeopardy.
Shohei Ohtani has propelled MLB into being an internationally relevant sports league for the first time in years, and the dynasty he is leading on the Dodgers is a huge part of the league’s new appeal.
However, the federal investigations into team owner Walter might force him into selling the franchise, which could have a huge knock-on effect on the team and Ohtani.
Shohei Ohtani could force his way out of the Dodgers if Mark Walter leavesWhen Ohtani signed his 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in 2023, a clause was put into the deal that Ohtani could leave the franchise if either Walter or Team President Andrew Friedman leaves.
The LA Times has shared insight into how this could create a major headache for any potential new owners and the fanbase.
“Unless the new owners give Friedman a piece of the team, he could set off to build another dynasty elsewhere. And Ohtani has a clause famously included in his contract that allows him to leave if Friedman or Walter leaves. If Walter goes, Ohtani could demand a new contract with terms that a new cash-strapped owner cannot afford… Dodgers fans should be afraid. Very afraid”
Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty ImagesOhtani had addressed this exit clause in his contract as a safety net in case of any future developments, and we are now seeing those developments potentially come into play if Walter is forced to sell the Dodgers as well to pay off federal fines and outstanding debts.
However, the circumstances to force Ohtani into doing this would have to be grave.
Why Shohei Ohtani is unlikely to exercise a potential exit from the DodgersEven with Walter selling the team or Friedman leaving, Ohtani has little short-term incentive to leave the franchise. He might lead the team to the first-ever three-peat in MLB history with another World Series this year.
The roster is set up for years of dominance. The only way Ohtani exercises his exit clause is if the new owners actively decide to sabotage the team, which would be unlikely given this is easily the highest-profile team in baseball right now.
Crucially, most of Ohtani’s contract ($680 million) is deferred to after the 10-year contract is over, giving the Dodgers massive cap flexibility for Ohtani’s playing days, while the Japanese star secures an over half-a-billion payout after retiring.
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