Shohei Ohtani’s earnings can be looked at in two main ways: his official MLB salary under his contract, and his total compensation when including endorsements and other income.

• Salary from the Dodgers (contractual, salary portion): Ohtani’s 10-year, $700 million deal defers the vast majority of the money. He receives only a small fixed amount each year (about $2 million annually during the first 10 years), with the bulk of the value paid out later in years 11–20. In practical terms for the 2025 season, his stated salary is about $2 million, with the rest of the contract’s value deferred. This structure means his annual salary from the team is much less than the contract’s total face value would suggest in a single year.

• Endorsements and external income (non-salary, off-field earnings): In 2025, endorsements are a major component of Ohtani’s earnings. Industry estimates reported by Sportico placed his endorsement revenue around $100 million for the year, making him the top MLB player in endorsements. This figure is in addition to his on-field salary and is not deferred by the Dodgers. When combined with his salary, his total earnings for the year are substantially higher than his salary alone.

• Overall context (recent reporting and debates): Media coverage in 2025 highlighted the unique deferment of his contract and the sizable endorsement revenue, with some articles noting that the “salary” figure cited in headlines often refers to the on-field pay, while the total annual compensation includes large endorsement deals and any other deferred components. The distinction between salary and total compensation is important for accurately understanding his earnings in a given year.

Bottom line: In 2025, Ohtani’s on-field salary from the Dodgers is about $2 million, while his endorsement income is around $100 million, giving an estimated total year earnings near $102 million. The vast majority of the contract’s $700 million value is deferred and paid in later years, not as annual salary.