Juan Soto made headlines with his $765 million contract, but Shohei Ohtani made history with his 411 total bases. As the debate over who is truly baseball’s most valuable player continues, executives like Farhan Zaidi are now taking sides.
His choice isn’t based on stats—it’s about redefining what a franchise cornerstone should be. So which player is he favoring? The answer isn’t as obvious as you might think.
Shohei Ohtani Made History With 411 Total Bases in a Single MLB Season
Shohei Ohtani made history in the 2024 season with the Dodgers. He became the first MLB player to surpass 400 total bases in a single season, recording 54 home runs and 38 doubles, a feat not seen since 2001.
With this achievement, he joins an elite group of 30 MLB players to reach this milestone.
Beyond his batting skills, Ohtani is also a pitcher. His dual-role ability gives his team a rare strategic edge and adds flexibility, setting him apart in baseball history.
These skills have led Zaidi to view Ohtani as a “one-of-a-kind” talent.
Juan Soto’s 2024 Season Stats Prove Why He Earned MLB’s Largest Contract Ever
At just 26, Juan Soto signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, making it the largest contract ever in sports history.
In the 2024 season, he posted a .288 batting average with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs over 157 games. His impressive performance earned him his fifth Silver Slugger award.
Read more: Shohei Ohtani Shoots Down Injury Concerns With Massive Performance in Spring Training Debut
Soto’s offensive prowess makes him an attractive asset for any team looking to build a strong lineup. He has proven his ability to get on base and drive in runs, and with the Mets, he is expected to add significant offensive production.
Farhan Zaidi Favors Shohei Ohtani Over Juan Soto When Building an MLB Franchise
Farhan Zaidi acknowledges Juan Soto’s talent and the enormity of his contract, but he favors Ohtani when it comes to building a franchise cornerstone. Zaidi’s reasoning is based on Ohtani’s unique two-way playing style. He stated, “Just the two-way aspect of Shohei, which I hope we get to see this year, it’s just a one-of-a-kind thing.”
Farhan Zaidi weighed in on Shohei Ohtani or Juan Soto being the better signing. https://t.co/TDKwS2zqbg
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) March 4, 2025
Zaidi highlights the value of versatility and the strategic advantage that a player with a dual-threat like Ohtani brings to a team. These insights are shaping a broader view of team-building, where diverse skill sets provide a competitive edge.
