MLB sportscaster claims Shohei Ohtani’s economic value trumps all, including Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper and Juan Soto (Source – IMAGN)

Shohei Ohtani’s global appeal sets him apart from Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper, who enjoy immense popularity across North America. Ohtani’s popularity is evident by his substantial earnings from endorsements. Meanwhile, Juan Soto’s projected contract, expected to rival Ohtani’s $700 million deal, has drawn skepticism from an MLB sportscaster.

According to former Oakland Athletics and current sportscaster Dallas Barden, baseballers shouldn’t follow Ohtani’s lead by accepting deferred contracts. The Japanese phenom can make huge money with endorsements, which Barden feels isn’t an option for everyone. He shared as much on the “Baseball Is Dead” podcast yesterday:

“I just want to remind folks what Ohtani does and what the second player in terms of off-the-field revenue does. Those, we’re not even allowed to have a conversation. It’s not Judge. It’s Harper, right? I thought it was Harper with his $6 million or whatever in endorsements.

“Either way, [Aaron] Judge, [Bryce] Harper, it’s not even a conversation to be had. Those are two very different worlds. Two very different worlds,” Bardens said [14:59].

As such, the sportscaster cautions teams looking to bag Juan Soto’s services with a massive contract.

“Juan Soto is not bringing any other team that [Ohtani’s economic value]. So just caution yourself, thinking that Soto is going to fall in or create the same kind of wave economically that Ohtani does. No, no, no. Those are not even close,” Barden said [16:12].

MLB insider believes Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge are unlike Juan Soto

MLB insider Jon Heyman recently explained the difference between Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge against Juan Soto and most baseballers. On Wednesday’s episode of “The Mayor’s Office with Sean Casey”, the podcast host asked Heyman whether Soto would prefer the team over the money.

The Reds HOFer Casey provided a scenario where the Yankees offered $50 million less than the Mets for Soto. Heyman explained Soto is unlike players like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge, who took relatively lower money to play for the Dodgers and Yankees respectively.

“I think (Soto) will likely take the best deal. Certainly, if it’s a $5 million or $10 million difference, maybe not, but at that point, I think they’ll match. But $50 million? I don’t think he leaves $50 million on the table,” Heyman said [9:56].

Another factor affecting Juan Soto’s decision is his agent, Scott Boras. The super agent has a penchant for bagging the most money for his clients. He was extremely critical of Shohei Ohtani when the Japanese phenom went with a deferred deal with the Dodgers, so many feel Soto will not follow suit.