Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar and reigning National League MVP, is adding a new title to his impressive resume: dad-to-be. The 29-year-old slugger and pitcher announced on Instagram that he and his wife, former professional basketball player Mamiko Tanaka, are expecting their first child together.
Ohtani made the exciting reveal by sharing an adorable photo of tiny baby clothes and shoes laid out underneath the couple’s beloved dog, Decoy. The simple yet heartwarming post quickly went viral, with fans and teammates showering the parents-to-be with well wishes and congratulations.
A Winning Combination On and Off the Field
Shohei Ohtani and Mamiko Tanaka, both elite athletes in their own right, have been together for several years but kept their relationship largely private. It wasn’t until February of this year that Ohtani publicly confirmed he had gotten married, and in March he revealed his wife’s identity.
I’ve been blessed with an incredible partner who inspires me every day to be the best version of myself, on the field and at home.
– Shohei Ohtani on his wife Mamiko Tanaka
Tanaka, 26, played professional basketball in Japan’s Women’s Japan Basketball League for the JX-Eneos Sunflowers from 2019 to 2021. She retired from the sport last year to focus on her new life in the United States with Ohtani.
Historic Season Brings Championship to LA
News of the couple’s upcoming arrival caps off what has been a fairytale year for Ohtani. In 2024, the two-way sensation had a season for the ages, becoming the first player in MLB history to smash 50 home runs and swipe 50 bases in a single campaign.
Ohtani’s herculean efforts on the mound and at the plate not only earned him unanimous NL MVP honors, but powered the Dodgers to a World Series championship, their second title in three years. He etched his name in the record books by going 12-2 with a 2.19 ERA and 219 strikeouts as a starting pitcher, while also hitting .301 with 51 homers, 122 RBI and 52 stolen bases.
The Best is Yet to Come
With fatherhood on the horizon, Ohtani shows no signs of slowing down. The Dodgers locked up their franchise cornerstone with a record-breaking contract extension that will keep him in Dodger blue through at least 2030.
As Ohtani prepares for the most rewarding role of his life, fans can expect to see the same fierce competitor and dedicated family man that has endeared him to so many. With a loving wife by his side and a baby on the way, it’s clear the best is yet to come—both on and off the field—for one of the most remarkable talents in sports history.
