Shohei Ohtani dropped a major marriage bombshell Thursday as his first spring training as a member of the Dodgers gets underway.
In a post shared with his 7.4 million Instagram followers, the two-way superstar announced his marriage to a Japanese woman, whom he did not identify.
“To all my friends and fans throughout, I have an announcement to make: 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,” the 29-year-old Ohtani wrote.
“I am excited for what is come and thank you for your support.”
Ohtani also said he would expand further in an interview, according to the Associated Press.
It’s been a whirlwind few months for the two-time AL MVP, who signed a massive 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in December following six seasons with the Angels.
“To all the fans and everyone involved in the baseball world, I apologize for taking so long to come to a decision,” Ohtani said at the time. “I have decided to choose the Dodgers as my next team.”
Ohtani’s megadeal boasts deferments, however, with him receiving just $2 million per year as the $68 million each season will be paid out between 2034 to 2043.
Although he won’t pitch in the upcoming season after undergoing elbow surgery in September, Ohtani impressed in a spring training game earlier this week, hitting a home run against the White Sox in the Dodgers’ 9-6 win.
The Dodgers open their season against the Padres in South Korea on Wednesday, March 20.
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