Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has suggested that his playing career in baseball may be nearing its end, making comments about his future just days after welcoming his second child with his wife, Mamiko Tanaka. The couple recently confirmed the birth of a son.
Speaking to reporters following the Dodgers' 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday, where Ohtani served as the starting pitcher, he was quoted as saying, "I wonder. I don’t know how long I can play." He added, "For now, I want to do my best until this contract (with the Dodgers) expires. I think children should decide their own futures. I just want to do my best at what I do."
Ohtani, 31, is currently in the first year of a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers that extends through the 2033 season. If he fulfills the contract, his son would be seven years old by the time it concludes.
Despite his team's success, including two consecutive World Series titles since Ohtani joined, he has a history of significant injuries, including two Tommy John surgeries on his right elbow and a procedure on his left shoulder. Amidst the demands of the season, Ohtani indicated his thoughts were with his family.
"He described his newborn son as 'cute' but added: 'I had to come on a road trip right away, so I think I’m more worried than anything. I’d like for us to happily spend time together,'" according to the California Post. Ohtani had briefly missed one game last Friday before returning to the lineup the following day.
The Dodgers are scheduled for a day off on Thursday before beginning a three-game road series against the San Diego Padres. Ohtani's wife, Mamiko Tanaka, is a former basketball player. Ohtani publicly announced their marriage in February 2024, keeping details private at the time. He stated in a released announcement, "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 couple made their first public appearance together at a Dodgers charity event in May 2024.