Shohei Ohtani made his long-awaited decision in free agency Saturday, agreeing to sign a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers.
Although the deal is not official yet—pending a physical—Ohtani’s Instagram post marked the end of one of baseball’s most intriguing free-agent sagas in history. The news surprised some, was celebrated by others and was mourned by many.
Here are the top 10 reactions from the biggest news in baseball:
Longtime Reds slugger Joey Votto might not be seeing the same $700 million offer in free agency than Ohtani landed.
I chortled out loud in a shop. Person asked if I was ok.
— Joey Votto (@JoeyVotto) December 9, 2023
Dodgers infielder Gavin Lux might think he’s still dreaming.
I wake up from a nap…. And BANGGG!🤣
— Gavin Lux (@TheRealGavinLux) December 9, 2023
LFG
The greatest remaining mystery in baseball is to find out the name of Ohtani’s adorable dog. Right-handed pitcher Walker Buehler took his best guess.
So his dog was named Dodger after all?
— Walker Buehler (@buehlersdayoff) December 9, 2023
I’d like to think it was named Walker but I guess I’ll find out soon.
— Walker Buehler (@buehlersdayoff) December 9, 2023
The Dodgers’ lineup now includes Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. Sheesh.
Freddie Freeman's text to me from his kid's baseball tournament regarding his new teammate:
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) December 9, 2023
"Tell Everyone hello for me and that it's a good day to be a Dodgers fan!"#Ohtani #DodgerTalk @AM570LASports
Former MLB reliever Trevor Hildenberger fondly remembered his on-field exchange with Ohtani.
Congrats to the best player on Earth. I’ll always remember our battles over the years (1 AB, 1 pitch, he homered) https://t.co/3ohE6W3mUo
— Trevor Hildenberger (@t_hildy) December 9, 2023
It looks like Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will be the next two-way sports phenom after training with JJ Watt.
start working on those pass rush moves 😂
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) December 9, 2023
Imagine being able to do both at an All-Pro level.
Guy is insane.
🤯🤯🤯
Donovan Mitchell’s Mets couldn’t match the Dodgers’ offer?
700M’s is crazy!! And he deserves every Penny of that too! Sheesh‼️‼️
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) December 9, 2023
It was a sad, sad day in Anaheim.
The Shohei Ohtani mural is coming down. pic.twitter.com/d2kCmVzbSj
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) December 9, 2023
Dodgers minority owner Magic Johnson chimed in with a rare timely post.
A big thank you to Shohei for deciding to wear Dodger blue! I know all Dodger fans around the world are extremely happy and excited that you decided to join our organization and we welcome you to Dodger nation! @Dodgers
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 9, 2023
And, of course, we’ll finish with the statement from the man himself.
Shohei's announcement from his Instagram pic.twitter.com/AwWQGoRRua
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) December 9, 2023
