The Los Angeles Angels have offered Shohei Ohtani a contract worth $20.325 million for the next season.
This offer is called a qualifying offer, and if Ohtani signs with another team, the Angels will receive draft-pick compensation.
However, Ohtani is expected to reject this offer before the November 14 deadline.
Ohtani is seeking a long-term contract that pays more annually.
He is likely to win the American League MVP award for the second time in three seasons.
Ohtani had an outstanding 2023 season, batting .304 with 44 home runs, 26 doubles, eight triples, 20 steals, and 95 runs batted in over 135 games.
As a pitcher, he had a 10-5 record, a 3.14 ERA, and 167 strikeouts in 132 innings across 23 starts.
Unfortunately, Ohtani had to undergo surgery for a torn UCL (elbow ligament).
Due to the surgery, he won't be able to pitch at all in 2024.
Ohtani is expected to command a record-breaking contract when he becomes a free agent.