Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani ‘Escape Clause’ Resurfaces After Shocking Lakers Sale
The Athletic reported Ohtani would stay even if Mark Walter sells, easing concern over a contract clause tied to ownership changes.
- Following Mark Walter's sale of the Los Angeles Lakers, The Athletic reported that MVP Shohei Ohtani is "unlikely" to exercise his "key man" opt-out clause if Walter sells the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- Speculation emerged after Walter sold the Lakers for $12.5 million on Wednesday, triggering questions about his Dodgers ownership and Ohtani's "key man" contract provision involving team president Andrew Friedman.
- Dodgers president Stan Kasten publicly denied any link between the Lakers transaction and the baseball team's future, stating no changes are forthcoming for the organization.
- Ohtani remains confident in the organization's financial commitment, supported by a TV deal shielded from MLB revenue sharing that provides at least $50 million more per year than other teams.
- The Dodgers have embraced their status as MLB's "Goliath" while chasing a 12th postseason berth, consistently spending aggressively to secure back-to-back World Series titles.
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15 Articles
"Phillies will sign Shohei Ohtani" - Fans go wild over $700M Dodgers superstar's potential free-agency bombshell tied to Mark Walter & Andrew Friedman
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani's historic $700M contract, signed in December 2023, sparked speculation after details of it revealed a unique clause tied to two key figures in the
[OSEN=Reporter Son Chan-ik] If 'superstar' Shohei Ohtani, who signed a massive 10-year, $700 million (approximately 994.2 billion won) contract with the LA Dodgers, wants to, a path could open for him to return to the free agent market. However, even if such a situation were to actually occur, forecasts suggest that the likelihood of Ohtani leaving the Dodgers is low.
Could Shohei Ohtani leave the Los Angeles Dodgers if Mark Walter sells the team after Lakers deal?
The sports world was stunned this week when reports broke that the Los Angeles Lakers had been sold again less than a year after the franchise's most recent sale.Not just because of the massive $12 billion price tag, and the speed with which the deal came together, nor that the new ownership group is being headed by former Disney company CEO Bob Iger. But because the now-former ownership group was headed by Mark Walter, one of the most successfu…
Lakers sale raises questions about Shohei Ohtani's future
Apr 13, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter player Shohei Ohtani (17) prepares in the dugout before the game against the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images One knock-on effect from the unexpected sale of the Los Angeles Lakers is what it could mean for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Former Disney chief Bob Iger and businessman Josh Kushner agreed to purchase the Lakers from …
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