Shohei Ohtani agreed to a two-year, $8.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels on Monday, avoiding arbitration.
The two-way player will make $3 million in 2021 and $5.5 million in 2022. Both years are guaranteed.
Ohtani had asked for $3.3 million for the upcoming season, and the Angels had countered with $2.5 million.
Ohtani earned $259,259 in prorated pay from his $700,000 contract in 2020, but the 2018 AL Rookie of the Year struggled at the plate and on the mound in his return from Tommy John surgery.
Ohtani batted .190 with seven homers and 24 RBIs in 175 plate appearances as the Angels' designated hitter, with his numbers declining sharply from his first two seasons in the majors.
He also performed poorly in his first two mound starts since 2018, giving up seven runs on three hits and eight walks while recording just five outs. He was subsequently shut down for the season as a pitcher to rest his arm.
But the Angels remain firmly committed to Ohtani, with new general manager Perry Minasian saying he expects the Japanese star to contribute extensively this season.
Ohtani will be eligible for arbitration again in 2023.
