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By signing Ohtani and Yamamoto, the Dodgers have instantly turned the entire country of Japan, with a population of 125 million, into die-hard Dodgers fans. Ohtani's first game as a Dodger garnered 17 million viewers in Japan, 37 times more than in the United States.
Deferring Contracts to Avoid Penalties
The Dodgers' strategy extends beyond just signing the best players. They have also utilized contract deferrals to avoid the MLB's competitive balance tax, which can become a massive financial burden. By deferring a significant portion of Ohtani's contract, as well as those of other key players, the Dodgers have been able to stay under the tax threshold while still assembling a powerhouse roster.