Shohei Ohtani and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, are expecting their first child.
The Los Angeles Dodgers star shared the exciting announcement on Instagram Dec. 28. He posted a sweet photo with several baby items arranged next to each other including a pink onesie, a pair of tiny sneakers and a sonogram.
The announcement naturally included Ohtani’s beloved dog Dekopin, or “Decoy,” who was laying down on his back next to the baby gear.
“Can’t wait for the little rookie to join our family soon!” the caption read.
Ohtani tends to keep his personal life private, including his relationship with his wife.
In February, the pitcher announced via Instagram that he had gotten married. Rather than post any photos of the couple, he shared a statement written in Japanese with an accompanying message in the caption.
“To all my friends and fans throughout , I have an announcement to make,” he wrote in the caption. “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.”
Ohtani concluded the message on a sentimental note, adding, “I am excited for what is to come and thank you for your support.”
At the time of the announcement, he didn’t reveal his wife’s name, but revealed her identity weeks later on social media.
In a photo posted on Ohtani’s Instagram, he posed for a photo with his teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tanaka by his side. The Dodgers also shared a photo on X of Ohtani and Tanaka together as they posed in front of an airplane.
Over the course of the year, they’ve made several public appearances together, including at the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Blue Diamond Gala in May and at the MLB All-Star Red Carpet Show in July. She’s also attended several games, sharing her support for her husband and the team from the stands.
There’s been plenty to cheer for when it comes to Ohtani’s year with the Dodgers organization.
In December 2023, he signed what was at the time the biggest free agent deal in the history of baseball when he left the Los Angeles Angels for the Dodgers for a 10-year, $700 million contract. That figure was bested this December when Juan Soto agreed to a 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets.
Ohtani made MLB history in September when he became the first player in history to hit 50 home runs and reach 50 stolen bases in one season.