Is Shohei Ohtani Playing Today?
Yes, Shohei Ohtani is actively participating in the 2025 MLB postseason with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series against the Cincinnati Reds on September 30, 2025, Ohtani made a significant impact by hitting two home runs, including a 454-foot blast, leading the Dodgers to a 10-5 victory.
As of October 1, 2025, Ohtani is expected to start as the designated hitter in the upcoming games of the series. If the series extends to a Game 3, he is slated to take the mound as the starting pitcher, showcasing his unique two-way prowess.
Shohei Ohtani’s Contract Details
In December 2023, Shohei Ohtani signed a groundbreaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking the largest contract in MLB history. However, the deal is structured with $680 million deferred, meaning Ohtani will receive only $2 million annually during the contract’s term. The deferred payments will commence in 2034, ensuring financial flexibility for the Dodgers and allowing Ohtani to capitalize on endorsement opportunities during the prime years of his career.
Despite the low annual salary, Ohtani’s endorsement earnings are substantial. In 2025 alone, he is projected to earn $100 million from various global marketing deals, underscoring his status as one of the most marketable athletes worldwide.
Shohei Ohtani’s Personal Life: Wife and Family
Shohei Ohtani is married to Mamiko Tanaka, a former professional basketball player for the Fujitsu Red Wave in Japan’s Women’s Japan Basketball League. Tanaka, born in 1996 in Tokyo, played college basketball at Waseda University and represented Japan at the international youth and collegiate levels.
The couple announced their marriage in February 2024, with Ohtani revealing Tanaka’s identity in March 2024. They welcomed their first child, a daughter, in April 2025, marking a new chapter in their personal lives.
Shohei Ohtani’s 2025 Season Performance
Throughout the 2025 MLB regular season, Ohtani delivered exceptional performances both at the plate and on the mound. As the designated hitter, he achieved a .282 batting average with 55 home runs and 102 RBIs, ranking third in home runs and 14th in RBIs across the league. His on-base plus slugging (OPS) stood at 1.014, placing him second in the MLB.
On the pitching side, Ohtani made 14 appearances, recording a 2.87 ERA over 47 innings. His impressive performance on the mound included a 0.46 ERA and a 27:4 strikeout-to-walk ratio over his last four regular-season starts, highlighting his dual-threat capability.
Conclusion
Shohei Ohtani continues to be a dominant force in Major League Baseball, excelling as both a hitter and a pitcher. His unique contract structure allows him to maximize endorsement opportunities while ensuring long-term financial security. Off the field, his marriage to Mamiko Tanaka and their growing family add a personal dimension to his public persona. As the Dodgers advance in the postseason, Ohtani’s contributions will be pivotal in their pursuit of a World Series title.
