Angels star Shohei Ohtani signs endorsement deal with New Balance

Shohei Ohtani changed teams. No not that.

The two-way Angels All-Star signed a long-term endorsement deal with New Balance and parted ways with Asics after an eight-year partnership. An announcement was made on Tuesday morning.

The move comes two weeks before Ohtani is scheduled to show up for spring training for his sixth – and possibly final – season with the Angels. The 2021 American League MVP and 2022 runner-up will become the most sought-after free agent next offseason.

Angels star Shohei Ohtani in a New Balance jersey.

(New Balance)

Ohtani, 28, is set to earn $30 million with the Angels this season before going freelance and earning perhaps the biggest contract in North American esports history.

For now, he’s just changing apparel sponsors.

Ohtani had been signed to Asics, a Japanese sportswear company, since 2014 – his second year in the Nippon Professional Baseball League.

He continued to work with Asics after moving to Major League Baseball, where the outfitter doesn’t have a strong presence, and signed with the Angels ahead of the 2018 season. Asics provided him with signature cleats, gloves and cleats.

Shohei Ohtani holding a pair of New Balance shoes.

(New Balance)

Boston-based company New Balance already has endorsement deals with players from every major, most notably Francisco Lindor of the New York Mets. Other prominent New Balance athletes include the Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard and track and field star Sydney McLaughlin.

The company said it will be collaborating with Ohtani “on a variety of brand campaigns,” starting with a limited-edition 574 shoe that will launch in February for $120 as Ohtani prepares to launch Japan to represent at the World Baseball Classic prior to the regular season.