Shohei Ohtani, the standout player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, took to social media on Thursday to share a significant personal update: he’s married.
The versatile athlete, who made headlines with his move from the Los Angeles Angels to the Dodgers in December, signing a groundbreaking contract valued at $700 million over a decade, expressed his news in Japanese on Instagram. “As the season draws near, I’d like to share with everyone that I’ve tied the knot,” he wrote.
While he didn’t disclose his spouse’s identity, Ohtani mentioned she hails from Japan, hinting at more details to come in an upcoming interview.
“As I embark on this new chapter with the Dodgers, I’m also embarking on a new journey in life with someone special from my homeland,” he added.
Ohtani urged the media to respect his privacy and refrain from unauthorized interviews.
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Though the announcement came during the North American night, it quickly grabbed headlines in Japan, where it became a leading news story, reflecting Ohtani’s status as a national icon.
Japanese media closely monitor Ohtani’s activities in the US, with the Dodgers now embraced as Japan’s team due to his remarkable success in Major League Baseball.
Currently training in Arizona for the upcoming MLB season, Ohtani is gearing up for the Dodgers’ opening games on March 20-21 in Seoul, South Korea, against the San Diego Padres.
At 29, Ohtani is Japan’s foremost celebrity, yet he’s maintained a level of privacy around his personal life, adding to the intrigue surrounding him.
Alongside his marriage announcement, Ohtani shared a snapshot featuring his dog “Dekopin,” also known as “Decoy,” expressing hopes for their teamwork ahead.
Despite undergoing elbow surgery and being sidelined from pitching this season, Ohtani showcased his hitting prowess in his recent spring training debut, slamming a two-run home run against the Chicago White Sox.
