Ohtani cashes in as fans in Japan wait for him to deliver more goods and play in a World Series

Now that Shohei Ohtani has his money -- a record $700 million, 10-year contact with the Los Angeles Dodgers -- some fans in Japan are waiting for one more thing to complete the deal.

Now that Shohei Ohtani has his money -- a record $700 million, 10-year contact with the Los Angeles Dodgers -- some fans in Japan are waiting for one more thing to complete the deal.

"I want Ohtani to play in the World Series," said Isshin Watanabe, a baseball fan speaking on Sunday near Tokyo's famous Ginza shopping area. "That's my hope," he added.

Baseball fans across Tokyo lined up on Sunday to buy special editions of the Yomiuri newspaper, announcing Ohtani's move across town from the Los Angeles Angels to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

This is perhaps the largest contract in sports history, topping highs believed to be set by soccer stars Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.

Ohtani is likely to only play this coming season as a designated hitter as he recovers from surgery that is expected to keep him from pitching.

"I think Ohtani will return to the two-way role the year after next," Watanabe, the fan, said. "I want him to be the home run king next year."

Ohtani is a bigger-than-life hero in Japan, the country's most famous athlete who has stoked national pride by reaching the pinnacle of a game beloved by many Americans and Latin Americans.