LeBron James is now the 'second biggest sports star in Hollywood' behind Shohei Ohtani, says Skip Bayless after two-way sensation signs record $700 million contract with the LA Dodgers
- Ohtani's new deal tops Mike Trout's $426.5 million contract with the Angels
- Football stars Patrick Mahomes and JJ Watt also shared their reactions to X
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
FS1 sports analyst Skip Bayless called Shohei Ohtani the biggest sports star in Hollywood following his 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Ohtani announced his decision via Instagram on Saturday after spending six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels in neighboring Orange County.
In addition to Bayless, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and retired defenseman JJ Watt also commented on X's record-breaking deal.
“Go over LeBron (James),” Bayless wrote. “You're now the second biggest sports star in Hollywood.”
Watt simply wrote, “my goodness,” with a “mind-boggling” emoji.
“Bro like what!” Mahomes responded. “Congratulations to him.”
Shohei Ohtani signed a record $700 million, 10-year contract to join the Dodgers in 2024
Skip Bayless, JJ Watt and Patrick Mahomes all responded to Ohtani's new deal on social media
Bayless has long been skeptical when it comes to Lakers star LeBron James. Ohtani's arrival in Los Angeles boosts the Dodgers' chances of beating the Lakers and bringing another title to the city of angels after both teams won their respective leagues in 2020.
On the other hand, Mahomes was once the holder of the largest contract in American sports after signing a 10-year, $450 million extension with the Chiefs after the 2019 season.
Ohtani's contract broke a record set by his now former team, the Angels, who signed Mike Trout to a $426.5 million deal in 2019. Ohtani's new teammate Mookie Betts' $365 million deal with the Dodgers follows Trout, followed by Yankees star Aaron Judge's $360 million contract.
Ohtani's average annual salary is $70 million, which is nearly double the current leaders: Texas Rangers pitcher Max Scherzer and Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander, both of whom will make $43.3 million in 2024.
Ohtani recently underwent surgery to repair his pitching elbow and will not pitch for the Dodgers in the 2024 season.
With 44 home runs for the Angels in 2023, Ohtani will likely be a design hitter for his new team next year.