Shohei Ohtani could have pursued a 15-year contract through age 44, agent Nez Balelo said Thursday, explaining the two-way superstar didn’t want to risk a decline in his skills while under the big deal.

Nez Balelo, Shohei Ohtani's agent, was on hand for Sportico's Invest West conference at Intuit Dome Thursday and discussed subjects related to his high-profile client.

Shohei Ohtani could have pursued a 15-year contract through the age 44, but his agent says he didn't want to risk a decline in his skills while under the deal.