Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani and his wife, former professional basketball player Mamiko Tanaka, are expecting their first child. The 2024 World Series champion announced the exciting news on Instagram on December 28th with a heartwarming post featuring baby shoes, a onesie, and their beloved dog, Decoy. “Can’t wait for the little rookie to join our family soon!” Ohtani wrote in the caption.
Ohtani, who married Tanaka earlier this year, enjoyed a historic season with the Dodgers. He became the first player in Major League Baseball history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season, ultimately leading the team to victory in the World Series against the New York Yankees. He was also awarded the National League Most Valuable Player award for his exceptional performance.
“This MVP, I’m just representing the Dodgers,” Ohtani said through interpreter Matt Hidaka during the MVP announcement show on the MLB Network in November. “It was a complete team effort. I wouldn’t have been able to receive this award if it weren’t for my teammates.”
Read more: Shohei Ohtani Makes History (Again) With Third MVP Award
Ohtani signed a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in December 2023. Despite undergoing elbow surgery in September 2023, he continued to impress, achieving the remarkable 50/50 milestone in a single game against the Miami Marlins.
Fans and fellow athletes alike have flooded social media with congratulatory messages for the happy couple. “Thank you for this most delightful, biggest piece of news at the end of the year, after everything you’ve done throughout the year to keep Japan happy,” one fan commented on Ohtani’s Instagram post.
