Diamondbacks Ken Kendrick seems unconcerned by Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million contract, asking, “is he the second coming?

In the world of baseball, where big contracts and blockbuster deals dominate headlines, Arizona Diamondbacks’ principal owner, Ken Kendrick, remains unfazed by the recent jaw-dropping $700 million contract signed by Shohei Ohtani with the Los Angeles Dodgers. While acknowledging Ohtani’s greatness as a player, Kendrick maintained a level-headed perspective:

“Is he the second coming? 

For Kendrick, the focus is on the competition, as he sees Ohtani as just one of nine players and a designated hitter. The Diamondbacks, known for their underdog spirit, gained widespread admiration last season when they defeated the Dodgers in the NLDS and went on an impressive postseason run, ultimately falling short in the World Series against the Texas Rangers.

Implications of Ohtani’s contract structure on the Diamondbacks

Ohtani’s contract structure raises eyebrows and poses challenges for the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Dodgers, their division rivals, have strategically deferred over 97% of Ohtani’s salary, providing them with significant flexibility in the short term and reducing the impact on their Competitive Balance Tax payroll. This unique financial approach, proposed by Ohtani himself, allows the Dodgers to strengthen their roster even further, creating a formidable barrier for teams like the Diamondbacks in the NL West.

The Dodgers’ aggressive moves and Shohei Ohtani’s willingness to defer his salary present a formidable challenge for the Diamondbacks in their quest for division dominance. While Kendrick remains optimistic about competing against Ohtani, the reality is that the gap between the two teams on paper is set to widen as the Dodgers address their pitching needs.

The Dodgers’ aggressive moves and Shohei Ohtani’s willingness to defer his salary present a formidable challenge for the Diamondbacks in their quest for division dominance. While Kendrick remains optimistic about competing against Ohtani, the reality is that the gap between the two teams on paper is set to widen as the Dodgers address their pitching needs.