Shohei Ohtani to defer $680m of $700m Dodgers deal to help new club build

• Japanese star earns around $50m a year in endorsements
• Deal means Dodgers can pursue top free-agents

Shohei Ohtani has agreed to defer $680m of his 10-year, $700m deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers until after the contract is completed, The Athletic and ESPN reported on Monday.

According to the reports, Ohtani suggested the deferrals and will be paid $2m a season for the duration of the contract, then will receive the deferred money without interest from 2034 to 2043.