Read he’s deferring 680 million so the team can pay other players. True, he's 'only' taking 2 mil per year now for the next 6-8 years or so and deferring his balance. Smart move, for if he can get a World Series ring or two his payday will be even much greater than it is now. FWIW, his current endorsement deals right now pay him many multiples of millions. As for the 700 million being an absurd amount of money, nonsense, the merchandise royalties alone have that covered and then some.............in Japan alone !