LOS ANGELES — Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has become a father for the second time, sharing the happy news with fans through an Instagram post on Saturday.
Ohtani and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, shared a heartfelt message alongside the announcement. “We are again overjoyed to experience this wonderful day in our lives together. Thank you for being born safely,” the couple wrote, also expressing gratitude to their supporters.
The post featured a photo of a newborn’s tiny hands and feet wrapped in a blue blanket, hinting that the couple has welcomed a baby boy. The new arrival joins the couple’s daughter, who was born in April 2025. Adding a sweet touch, a miniature stuffed version of Ohtani’s well-known dog, Decoy, was nestled in the baby’s arms — and Decoy himself made an appearance in a photo at the bottom of the post.
The announcement came as a surprise to many. On Friday, Ohtani’s name was absent from the Dodgers’ lineup card, which was released later than normal. The team explained he was “away from the team on paternity.” His return is anticipated sometime this weekend, when Los Angeles is set to host the Baltimore Orioles.
Manager Dave Roberts told reporters Friday night that he had only learned “very recently” that Ohtani was expecting another child.
Known for keeping his personal life out of the spotlight, Ohtani has never publicly shared his daughter’s name and has been careful not to show her face in the occasional family photos he posts online.
