In a surprising twist that has sent shockwaves through both the tech and sports worlds, reports have surfaced claiming that Apple CEO Tim Cook offered baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani a staggering $245 million contract to serve as the face of a new advertising campaign. According to multiple sources, the deal was contingent on Ohtani publicly promoting both Apple’s latest iPhone features and LGBTQ+ advocacy, aligning with the company’s long-standing commitment to social causes. However, Ohtani’s response—a single, cryptic sentence—has left Major League Baseball (MLB) fans and industry observers stunned, sparking heated discussions across social media and beyond.
The news first emerged from unverified posts on X, with one user claiming that Cook personally approached Ohtani with the offer, hoping to leverage the athlete’s global fame to boost Apple’s brand. Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way phenom, is no stranger to lucrative endorsement deals. With a net worth estimated at $150 million as of February 2025, largely fueled by his record-breaking $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers and endorsements with brands like New Balance, Seiko, and Fanatics, Ohtani is a marketing juggernaut. His appeal spans continents, particularly in Japan, where his image dominates advertisements, and in the U.S., where his historic 50-50 season (50 home runs and 50 stolen bases) has cemented his status as a cultural icon.
Apple, under Cook’s leadership, has a history of aligning its brand with progressive causes, including LGBTQ+ rights. Cook, who came out as gay in 2014 and has since been a vocal advocate, reportedly saw Ohtani as a unique opportunity to merge Apple’s technological innovation with its social messaging. The proposed campaign was said to highlight the iPhone’s new features—rumored to include advanced AI capabilities and enhanced privacy settings—while also promoting inclusivity. The $245 million offer, if true, would have been one of the largest single endorsement deals in sports history, dwarfing Ohtani’s existing partnerships.
Yet, Ohtani’s response to the offer was as unexpected as it was concise: “I want to focus on baseball and remain neutral on social issues.” This single sentence, shared via a post on X, has ignited a firestorm of reactions. Fans and commentators have praised Ohtani’s commitment to his craft, viewing his refusal as a principled stand to avoid entanglement in polarizing issues. Others, however, have criticized the decision, arguing that Ohtani missed an opportunity to use his platform for social good, particularly given Apple’s track record of supporting marginalized communities. The polarized reactions reflect broader societal debates about the role of athletes in advocacy and the intersection of corporate branding with social causes.
Skeptics have questioned the veracity of the reports, noting that no official confirmation has come from either Apple or Ohtani’s representatives. The story’s origins on X, a platform known for unverified claims, have fueled speculation that the offer may be exaggerated or fabricated. Nonetheless, the rumor has gained traction, with some pointing to Cook’s recent activities as evidence of plausibility. In January 2025, Cook made headlines for donating $1 million to President Donald Trump’s inauguration, a move that surprised many given his past support for Democratic candidates and progressive causes. This has led some to speculate that Apple is seeking to broaden its appeal, potentially using Ohtani’s global fanbase to bridge cultural divides.
For Ohtani, the decision to decline—if the offer is real—aligns with his carefully curated public persona. Known for his reserved demeanor and laser focus on baseball, Ohtani has avoided controversies throughout his career. His endorsement deals, while numerous, are typically tied to apolitical brands, and his $700 million Dodgers contract, with $680 million deferred, reflects a strategic approach to financial security without reliance on immediate payouts. By staying neutral, Ohtani may be protecting his universal appeal, particularly in Japan, where his World Series victory in 2024 drew 15 million viewers per game.
The fallout from this alleged offer underscores the complex dynamics between sports, business, and social advocacy. For Apple, the rumored proposal highlights the challenges of aligning corporate goals with cultural sensitivities. For Ohtani, it reinforces his status as a singular figure in sports, capable of commanding attention with a single sentence. Whether fact or fiction, the story has captivated audiences, proving once again that Ohtani’s influence extends far beyond the baseball diamond.
