Just when fans thought Shohei Ohtani’s 2025 couldn’t get any more memorable, the Los Angeles Dodgers star has added “dad” to his growing list of titles.
The two-way baseball sensation took to Instagram to share some deeply personal — and joyful — news: he and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, have officially become parents.
The couple just welcomed their first child, a healthy baby girl.
Ohtani Shares Heartfelt Message to Fans and Family
In his emotional post, Ohtani wrote, “Welcome to the Ohtani family! I am so grateful to my loving wife who gave birth to our healthy, beautiful baby daughter.
To my daughter, thank you for making us very nervous yet super anxious parents.”
He didn’t stop there. The 30-year-old continued by thanking his Dodgers teammates, the fans, and the entire organization for their unwavering support.
He also made a point to appreciate the medical staff and everyone who played a role in helping them reach this incredible day.
Missing in Action — But for the Sweetest Reason
Ohtani was noticeably absent from the Dodgers’ game against the Texas Rangers on Friday.
Manager Dave Roberts later confirmed that Ohtani had been placed on Major League Baseball’s paternity list, which allows players to step away for family matters like childbirth.
He can be off the field for up to three games under the rule, giving him time to soak in these special first moments with his newborn daughter.
A Private Life That Surprised the World
Despite being one of the most talked-about athletes in the world, Ohtani keeps his personal life pretty low-key.
Fans were left stunned in early 2024 when he casually announced his marriage to Mamiko Tanaka — a former pro basketball player from Japan — via an Instagram post.
In that same announcement, he shared how both his personal and professional life were entering new chapters, and that his wife was someone very special from his home country.
Baby News Came Just Before the New Year
It was only a few months ago — in late December — when Ohtani revealed that he and Mamiko were expecting their first child.
Now, just four months into 2025, their daughter has made her grand entrance.
With this milestone, Ohtani’s already extraordinary year has reached new emotional heights.
Ohtani’s Return Could Be Imminent
Although he’s taking time off to be with his family, there’s a chance Ohtani might rejoin the Dodgers as soon as Sunday, depending on how things go.
The team wraps up their series against the Rangers this weekend, and they’re scheduled to face the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday.
Manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani’s return to the lineup would be “as early as Sunday,” though there’s no rush given the reason for his leave.
Still on Fire in 2025
Even with fatherhood now on his plate, Ohtani has shown no signs of slowing down.
So far this season, he’s batting .288 with six home runs and eight RBIs.
And for a player known for his versatility, he’s already stolen five bases this year — adding to his 59 stolen bases from the 2024 season.
A Record-Breaking Contract and a Heart of Gold
After signing a jaw-dropping 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers last year, Ohtani became one of the highest-paid athletes in baseball history.
But it’s not just his performance and paychecks that get people talking.
Just recently, Ohtani melted fans’ hearts when he was caught on camera during a game against the Colorado Rockies, quietly preparing drinks — not for himself, but for eight of his teammates.
That selfless act is just another reason fans love him, both on and off the field.
What’s Next for Baseball’s Favorite New Dad?
As Shohei Ohtani takes a brief pause from baseball to enjoy fatherhood, fans everywhere are celebrating this new chapter with him.
He’s not only hitting home runs on the field — he’s clearly winning at life, too.
And with baby bottles now joining baseball bats in his daily routine, one thing’s for sure: the Ohtani family is off to a strong start.