Newest Los Angeles Dodger Shohei Ohtani is arguably the biggest star in all of baseball. He’s also one of the most private ones.
Ohtani caught the baseball world off-guard today when he announced that he just got married.
Fresh off signing his 10-year, $700 million (!!!) deal, you could say Ohtani set the market in more ways than one.
“Not only have I began a new chapter in my career with the Dodgers but I also have began a new life with someone from my Native country of Japan who is very special to me and I wanted everyone to know I am now married … I am excited for what is to come and thank you for your support,” Ohtani posted on Instagram.
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While Ohtani did not disclose the identity of his new wife, he teased that further details would be unveiled during an upcoming interview.
That's why he deferred. She would have gotten half unless she sticks around 10 years. Hehe. @HollyBaylorMLB with the scoop. pic.twitter.com/LdC8qA2dsU
— Adam DeCicco (@AdamDeCicco) February 29, 2024
In a plea to the media, Ohtani requested refraining from unauthorized interviews regarding his personal life.
The news of Ohtani’s marriage spread rapidly, particularly in Japan, where it became the top news item across the country.
Ohtani has emerged as a source of national pride for Japan, with the Dodgers now being affectionately regarded as Japan’s team.
The US MEDIA will
just focus on his Mlb-related, but JP media will dig into everything to find out who’s that brave lady.— Artventures (@mrsjenjang) March 1, 2024
Currently at spring training in Arizona, Ohtani and the Dodgers are gearing up to kick off the season with a two-game series against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea on March 20-21.
Who do you got winning it all this year? 👀#mlb #dodgers #worldseries #baseball #shoheiohtani #fullcardsweep pic.twitter.com/mjpFCg1pBy
— Full Card Sweep (@fullcardsweep) February 20, 2024
At 29 years old, Ohtani stands as Japan’s most prominent celebrity, and his personal life has long been a subject of curiosity, which he has managed to keep private until now.
Accompanying his announcement on Instagram was a photo featuring his dog “Dekopin,” also known as “Decoy,” with Ohtani expressing hopes for one big happy family between the three of them.
“We hope the two of us — and one animal — will work together,” Ohtani wrote in his post.
Shohei Ohtani was asked "How's your dog?"
Then he was smiling and saying "good"💙米記者さん”ワンちゃん、元気?”
大 谷くん”Good"pic.twitter.com/5HfjODa51D— Ⓕⓡⓐⓝⓒⓔⓢⓒⓐ★ (@DecoOhtani117) February 22, 2024
Of course, with Ohtani now off the market (again), some female fans were quite sad about it…
“Woke up to Shohei Ohtani being married news and I wasn’t the bride.”
woke up to shohei ohtani being married news and i wasnt the bride pic.twitter.com/vFmn7n1Cnw
— em 🫶 (@emmaquesadilla) February 29, 2024
“Just found out Shohei Ohtani got married.”
just found out shohei ohtani got married pic.twitter.com/piM06aArpB
— ana (@winmyeon) February 29, 2024
“Shohei Ohtani got married. Don’t ask me how I’m handling it.”
Shohei Ohtani got married. Dont ask me how im handling it. #大谷翔平 pic.twitter.com/XGKtUChFeg
— OHTANIVERSE¹⁷ (@ttohtaniverse) February 29, 2024
Congratulations to Ohtani and his wife … But getting back to baseball, what are your thoughts on the massive contract the Dodgers signed him to?
Will he prove to be worth it?
In the bigger picture, do you think the Dodgers will win the World Series this season???