Add fatherhood to Shohei Ohtani’s growing list of responsibilities.
The Los Angeles Dodgers star and three-time MVP announced Saturday that he and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, are expecting their first child. Their Instagram post, which featured their dog, Decoy, announced the latest major life development for baseball’s biggest star.
“Can’t wait for the little rookie to join our family soon!” read the post on Ohtani’s account.
Ohtani signed a then record-setting contract with the Dodgers ahead of the 2024 season and announced his marriage to Tanaka that spring. A hectic first season in Los Angeles that included the firing of his longtime interpreter for theft ended in the first 50-50 season in baseball history, and a World Series title.
Ohtani, who underwent a second major elbow ligament reconstruction in 2023, is expected to return to the mound as a pitcher in 2025 and is still recovering from labrum surgery on his left (non-throwing) shoulder.
(Photo of Tanaka and Ohtani: Allen Berezovsky / Getty Images)
