A New Addition to the Ohtani Family
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani announced on June 20, 2026, that he and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, have welcomed their second child. Ohtani, who is famously private regarding his personal life, shared the news via a social media post that featured a photo of the newborn wrapped in a blue blanket, alongside an image of the family’s beloved dog, Decoy.
The couple, who wed in 2024, previously welcomed their first child, a daughter, in April 2025. While Ohtani did not confirm the gender of the new baby, the use of a blue blanket has led to widespread speculation that the couple has had a son. The announcement mirrored the style of their 2025 post, maintaining a consistent focus on family privacy while acknowledging the support of their fans.
Immediate Return to the Diamond
Despite the significant life event, Ohtani’s absence from the Dodgers was brief. The team confirmed that the designated hitter and pitcher was back in the starting lineup to lead off the second game of their three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday. Ohtani opted not to take extended paternity leave, demonstrating his commitment to the Dodgers’ pursuit of a third consecutive World Series title.
The Dodgers currently lead the league with a 49-27 record. Ohtani acknowledged the challenges of balancing elite-level professional sports with fatherhood, noting that while his routine has shifted—often involving trips from the hospital directly to the stadium—he remains grateful for the experience. “It’s a good kind of not-getting-enough-sleep situation,” Ohtani remarked regarding his transition into fatherhood for the second time.