Ohtani will inarguably be taking home $700 million via this deal, and I disagree with the notion that the contract should be described as anything other than that big number from a bottom-line perspective. But what matters, especially with regards to the Competitive Balance Tax (CBT), is the present value of the contract.
There are lots of reasons to love the Dodgers signing of Shohei Ohtani. Acquiring an all-time talent? Brilliant. The unprecedented $700 million contract with deferred payments that allows for payroll flexibility? Yes please. The sweet, sweet, salty tears of Giants fans? Maaaybe the best of all?
"It's pretty evident from how the Dodgers have positioned themselves with few long-term contracts on the books and plenty of available cash.
Feinsand points towards the fact the team didn't spend heavily last winter, which could lead to them shelling out a massive contract for the generational star.\n> Feinsand isn't the only insider who thinks the Dodgers are the clubhouse favorite to land Ohtani, as ESPN’s Buster Olney heard from a person in the Dodgers' organization that president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman is “obsessed” with Ohtani and will do what it takes to position the club to sign him.\n"