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Former World Series champ Jerry Hairston says the Dodgers didn’t overpay when they dropped $700 million to get Shohei Ohtani … telling TMZ Sports, “He’s worth it.”
L.A. inked the two-way star to the deal over the weekend … and with his pitching career in question due to a second Tommy John surgery on his throwing arm, many wondered if the Dodgers spent just a bit too much.
But, Hairston made it clear to us on Monday … he believes they didn’t.
As for why … the ex-outfielder who played two seasons for the Dodgers in 2012 and 2013 said there are a multitude of reasons. No. 1, he said he’s fully confident Ohtani will be able to pitch again in 2025. No. 2, he told us he believes the 29-year-old is “just entering his prime, especially with the bat.”
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Shohei Ohtani Joining Los Angeles Dodgers, 10-Year, $700 Million Contract
And, perhaps more importantly for the Dodgers’ bottom line, Ohtani brings in revenue like no other player in the sport.
“He brings in anywhere from $70 to $85 million in revenue alone!” Hairston said.
Hairston actually went on to praise Ohtani and the Dodgers for the contract — noting that the deal’s deferred payments will allow L.A. to surround the two-time MVP with even more talent in the next few seasons.
“He is worth the price of admission,” Hairston said.
Not to mention, almost all ($680m) of the monumental $700m contract is deferred an entire decade … meaning the Dodgers won’t start paying the Japanese star substantial money until 2034.