Shohei Ohtani Wife: Shohei Ohtani surprised the Los Angeles Dodgers—and fans worldwide—with his marriage announcement on Thursday, prompting manager Dave Roberts to mention that any present the team presents to the two-time MVP would be similar to the majority of the money in his contract: postponed.
“I’m thrilled for him and his new wife,” Roberts expressed with a smile. “In terms of wedding gifts, we were caught off guard and didn’t have a lot of time to plan. I’m certain it’s on its way.”
Ohtani, the renowned Japanese two-way star, took to Instagram early Thursday to announce his marriage, shedding light on a relationship that has largely remained veiled in secrecy.
Through an interpreter, Ohtani briefly mentioned his spouse, describing her as a typical Japanese woman. However, he expressed discomfort in divulging specific details about their wedding.
During a brief interview on Thursday, Ohtani provided a few additional insights into their relationship, revealing that he had known his new bride for a period of three to four years.
At 29 years old, Ohtani stands as Japan’s most prominent celebrity. Despite the public’s curiosity about his personal life, he has consistently maintained a private demeanor. His unwavering dedication to baseball and his untarnished image have shielded him from scandals and tabloid gossip.
Ohtani explained that he believed the timing of his move was ideal because it occurred before the start of the season. He wanted to avoid any distractions once the season began, so he preferred to make the announcement earlier. However, there were some paperwork issues that caused delays in the process.
In December, Ohtani made the transition from the Los Angeles Angels to the Dodgers, signing a groundbreaking 10-year contract worth $700 million. The contract stipulates that $680 million will be paid out between 2034 and 2043.
Ohtani emphasized that his marriage did not impact his approach to free agency. His spouse fully understands his profession and supports his decision to play wherever he desires.
On Instagram, Ohtani shared a post featuring a photo of his dog, “Dekopin,” whom he affectionately refers to as “Decoy.” In his caption, he expressed his hope that the three of them, including the beloved pet, can work together harmoniously.
The news was first reported during the night in North America and in the late afternoon in Japan, instantly becoming the top news story. Japanese television consistently covers his training in the United States, and his remarkable success in North America has made him a source of pride for Japan. The Dodgers have essentially become Japan’s team of choice.
As the Dodgers gear up for their opening games in Seoul, South Korea on March 20-21 against the San Diego Padres, Ohtani is training with them. However, due to a right elbow surgery he underwent last September, he will not be pitching this season. Instead, he will be utilized as a designated hitter, and there is a chance he may also play in the field.
During his first appearance in spring training this week, Ohtani impressed by hitting a two-run home run against the Chicago White Sox.
Throughout his career, Ohtani has accumulated an impressive record of 171 home runs, including 44 in the previous season, and holds a career batting average of .274. Additionally, he boasts a pitching record of 38-19 over five seasons. Unfortunately, he missed the entire 2019 season due to elbow surgery, but his career ERA stands at 3.01.
Recognized as the AL Rookie of the Year in 2018, Ohtani further solidified his status as a remarkable player by winning the AL MVP award in both 2021 and 2023. His exceptional abilities as a two-way player have often drawn comparisons to the legendary Babe Ruth.