Shohei Ohtani's $2 million salary pales in comparison to Chicago Cubs players

Several Cubs players will make more money than Shohei Ohtani next season thanks to the unique contract structure of the Japanese superstar's contract with the Dodgers

Colorado Rockies v Chicago Cubs
Colorado Rockies v Chicago Cubs | Nuccio DiNuzzo/GettyImages
2 of 5

2. Drew Smyly: $10.5 million

Even if Shohei Ohtani was only a pitcher, he should still be making seven times the amount of money Drew Smyly does. On his best day, Smyly's efforts pale in comparison to an average start from Shohei Ohtani. Smyly certainly has his moments, but Ohtani's blistering velocity and strikeout rate are remarkable.

Not to mention the fact that Drew Smyly will likely be contained to a relief role in 2024 after he lost his starting duties in the middle of last summer. But the Cubs need reliable lefties in the bullpen so hopefully Smyly can deliver solid innings and earn that $10 million. Whatever Smyly does, he can rest easy in the fact that his paychecks will be significantly higher than the guy smacking 40+ home runs as the Dodgers' designated hitter.

Schedule