Shohei Ohtani

Los Angeles Dodgers' designated hitter Shohei Ohtani prepares to bat in the first inning of the exhibition game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Kiwoom Heroes at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, March 17, 2024. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres will meet in a two-game series on March 20th-21st in Seoul for the MLB World Tour Seoul Series. (AP Photo/)

Ohtani may be South Korea’s most-beloved Japanese athlete. His charm is winning over historic rivals

Shohei Ohtani may be the most-beloved Japanese athlete in South Korea, a historic rival of his home country.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani reacts during a news conference ahead of a baseball workout at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea, Saturday, March 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

New Dodger Ohtani says Seoul MLB games will be ‘great memories’ for him and wife

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani and his wife Mamiko Tanaka walk with security during the baseball team's arrival at Incheon International Airport, Friday, March 15, 2024, in Incheon, South Korea, ahead of the team's baseball series against the San Diego Padres. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Baseball superstar Ohtani and his wife arrive in South Korea for Dodgers-Padres MLB opener

FILE - Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, of Japan, walks through the dugout during the team's spring training baseball game against the Seattle Mariner, March 13, 2024, in Phoenix. Beginning with its ninth international opener, Major League Baseball is traveling all over the world in 2024. Ohtani and the Dodgers play Manny Machado and the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

Shohei Ohtani shares a photo of his new wife on social media. She’s a former pro basketball player

FILE - Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Jonny Venters sits on the bench during a baseball game against the Miami Marlins in Atlanta, Monday, July 21, 2014. Pitchers can look to Jonny Venters as they return from a second operation to repair a torn elbow ligament: He made it back to the big leagues after what he calls 3 1/2 Tommy John procedures. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)

Tommy John surgery can work once, twice — even 3 1/2 times — for major league pitchers

Shohei Ohtani says he’s ‘several levels ahead’ as he prepares to rehab from surgery while hitting once again

The two-time Most Valuable Player gave his first interview as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers while he recovers from elbow surgery that will keep him off the mound for the 2024 season. (Feb. 9)

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FILE - Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani participates in spring training baseball workouts at Camelback Ranch in Phoenix, Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

To Ohtani’s surgeon, a 103 mph fastball was a red flag, but his $700M deal shows trust in TJ surgery

Shohei Ohtani had his right elbow repaired by Dr. Neal ElAttrache for the second time in September. With the 50th anniversary of the first Tommy John surgery coming up this year, Ohtani and ElAttrache are at the center of what might be the procedure’s most compelling case study.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, center, with interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, left, talks with coach Dino Ebel, right, during spring training baseball workouts at Camelback Ranch in Phoenix, Sunday, March 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Betts, Ohtani and Freeman make for an impressive trio at the top of the Dodgers’ batting order

With Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman, the Los Angeles Dodgers have quite the trio at the top of their batting order.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani addresses the media about his surprise marriage announcement, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, during spring training baseball workouts at Camelback Ranch in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

Shohei Ohtani stuns Dodgers -- and many around the world -- with marriage announcement

Shohei Ohtani stunned the Los Angeles Dodgers — and many around the world — with his marriage announcement, so manager Dave Roberts said any gift the team gives the two-time MVP would be like most of the money in his contract: deferred.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani walks in the dugout during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Chicago White Sox in Phoenix, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Shohei Ohtani won’t pitch this season after major elbow surgery, but he can still hit. Here’s why

Shohei Ohtani is unique in baseball history, a two-way Japanese superstar who can excel as a hitter and a pitcher, sometimes in the same game.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani runs the bases after hitting a home run during the fifth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Chicago White Sox in Phoenix, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. Jose Ramos also scored. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Shohei Ohtani shows he’s “built differently,” slugs 2-run HR in first exhibition game with Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani needed just three exhibition at-bats to show what a $700 million man can do for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) participates in spring training baseball workouts at Camelback Ranch in Phoenix, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Shohei Ohtani won’t play in Dodgers’ spring training opener, stays away from live batting practice

Shohei Ohtani did not participate in live batting practice Sunday, and his Los Angeles Dodgers spring training debut is on hold.

Angels start workouts without Shohei Ohtani and with new manager Ron Washington

The Los Angels Angels started spring training without Shohei Ohtani for the first time since 2017 and with a new manager in Ron Washington.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, with interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, right, speaks to media at Camelback Ranch in Phoenix, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, on the first day of spring training baseball workouts for the Dodgers. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Shohei Ohtani tries to blend in with Dodgers, even if that might prove impossible

Shohei Ohtani gave his first interview at Camelback Ranch as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers on a chilly Friday morning, surrounded by more than 50 reporters who asked questions of baseball’s first and only $700 million man.

Shohei Ohtani gets pair of bobblehead nights in first season with Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are featuring four promotional giveaways around Shohei Ohtani this season, including a pair of bobblehead nights.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani answers questions during a baseball news conference at Dodger Stadium Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Shohei Ohtani visits US Embassy in Japan and his dog gets mock visa

Shohei Ohtani has visited the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel presented the new Los Angeles Dodgers superstar with a supersized visa for his dog.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani answers questions during a baseball news conference at Dodger Stadium Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Shohei Ohtani’s Dodgers deal prompts California controller to ask Congress to cap deferred payments

California Controller Malia M. Cohen wants Congress to change the tax code to cap deferred payments, a change that could ensure the state is owed more money from Shohei Ohtani.

Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins responds to questions during a news conference at the Major League Baseball winter meetings Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins expresses regret Shohei Ohtani turned down Toronto

Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins expressed regret Shoehei Ohtani turned down Toronto after meeting with the team and chose to sign a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto smiles during his introduction as a new member of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Yoshinobu Yamamoto joins the Los Angeles Dodgers, vows to compete for championships alongside Ohtani

The Los Angeles Dodgers have finalized their 12-year deal with Yoshinobu Yamamoto. They’ve teamed the prized free-agent right-hander with Shohei Ohtani in their prolific winter spending spree.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani answers questions during a baseball news conference at Dodger Stadium Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Shohei Ohtani gives a Porsche to Joe Kelly’s wife for his No. 17 with the Dodgers

After the wife of reliever Joe Kelly offered up her husband’s uniform number to help lure Shohei Ohtani to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the two-way star responded by giving her a Porsche.

FILE - Japan's Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivers a pitch during the fifth inning of a World Baseball Classic game against Mexico on March 20, 2023, in Miami. Yamamoto, the most prized pitcher on the free-agent market, has agreed to a $325 million, 12-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to multiple reports. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

Prized pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto agrees with Dodgers on $325 million deal, according to reports

Prized free-agent pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to a $325 million, 12-year contract, according to multiple reports.

FILE - Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani looks on from the dugout ahead of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays in Toronto, Sunday, July 30, 2023. Shohei Ohtani has been named The Associated Press' Male Athlete of the Year for the second time in three years. (Cole Burston/The Canadian Press via AP, File)

Shohei Ohtani is the AP Male Athlete of the Year for the 2nd time in 3 years

Shohei Ohtani has been named The Associated Press’ Male Athlete of the Year for the second time in three years.

FILE - Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow throws against the Texas Rangers during the first inning of Game 1 in an AL wild-card baseball playoff series game Oct. 3, 2023, in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Los Angeles Dodgers have a tentative trade with the Rays to acquire right-hander Glasnow and outfielder Manuel Margot for pitcher Ryan Pepiot and outfield prospect Jonny Deluca, a person familiar with the agreement told The Associated Press, Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)

Shohei Ohtani’s video pitch helps lure pitcher Tyler Glasnow to his ‘dream team’ the Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani has already notched a win for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The two-time AL MVP sent a video to help recruit pitcher Tyler Glasnow and it worked.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani answers questions during a baseball news conference at Dodger Stadium Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Ohtani and Acuña win MLB’s Hank Aaron Awards as outstanding offensive performers

Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr. have won the 2023 Hank Aaron Awards, presented by Major League Baseball to the most outstanding offensive performer in each league.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, center, poses for a photo with owner and chairman Mark Walter, left, and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman applaud during a news conference at Dodger Stadium Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Dodgers, Ohtani got creative with $700 million deal, but both sides still have some risk

Once the intial shock wore off on the price tag of Shohei Ohtani’s record-shattering $700 million, 10-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, details about the contract emerged that were nearly as stunning.

After the Los Angeles Dodgers signing of former Los Angeles Angels player Shohei Ohtani, left, his image still adorns the Angels' Tempe Diablo Stadium, sharing the prominent spot with pitcher Patrick Sandoval at the spring training home of the Angels, Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, in Tempe, Ariz. The Angels have already removed the Ohtani photo banner at the Angels regular season stadium. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

After 6 years together, Angels move on from Shohei Ohtani’s departure for the Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani left several massive holes in the Los Angeles Angels when he moved to the Dodgers this week.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani listens to questions during a baseball news conference at Dodger Stadium Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Shohei Ohtani’s contract with the Dodgers could come with bonus of mostly avoiding California taxes

Baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani’s new contract could have the added benefit of avoiding most of California’s income tax.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani speaks during a baseball news conference at Dodger Stadium Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Shohei Ohtani reveals dog’s name at Dodgers’ introduction: Decoy

Shohei Ohtani revealed at his introductory press conference with the Dodgers that the dog who joined him for last month’s MVP awards show is named Dekopin or Decopin.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani smiles while wearing a jersey and baseball cap during a news conference at Dodger Stadium Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

In first news conference with Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani dodges questions about Tommy John surgery

Shohei Ohtani opened his first news conference with the Los Angeles Dodgers by dodging questions about whether he had a second Tommy John surgery.

Customers shop around for character goods of Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers at a sporting goods store, "SELECTION," in Shinjuku district Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, in Tokyo. Ohtani agreed to a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Ohtani can opt out of Dodgers deal if either of two executives lose their roles, an AP source says

Shohei Ohtani can opt out of his $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers if either of two key executives is no longer in place, a person familiar with the agreement told The Associated Press.

FILE - Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws during a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Anaheim, Calif., June 21, 2023. Ohtani agreed Saturday, Dec. 9, to a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)

Zaidi: Giants made comparable offer to $700M deal Shohei Ohtani received from rival Dodgers

The San Francisco Giants made three offers to Shohei Ohtani, including a final proposal that president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi called “very comparable if not identical” to the record $700 million, 10-year contract the Japanese two-way star agreed to with the rival Los Angeles Dodgers.

FILE - Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez throws to a New York Yankees batter during the first inning of a baseball game Sept. 7, 2023, in New York. Rodriguez and the Arizona Diamondbacks finalized an $80 million, four-year contract Friday, Dec. 8. The deal had been agreed to Wednesday subject to a successful physical. The agreement includes a conditional option for 2028 that could make the deal worth $100 million. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)

D-backs introduce lefty Eduardo Rodriguez, unfazed by NL West rival Dodgers adding Ohtani

The Arizona Diamondbacks made a big splash in free agency this winter, signing left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez to an $80 million, four-year deal.

FILE - Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws during a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Anaheim, Calif., June 21, 2023. Ohtani agreed Saturday, Dec. 9, to a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)

Ohtani’s Dodgers contract has $680 million deferred, lowering tax value to $46 million annually

Shohei Ohtani will receive just $20 million of his $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers over the next 10 years, with $680 million payable from 2034-43 in an unusual structure that gives the team greater payroll flexibility in coming seasons.

A person reads an extra edition of the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reporting on Shohei Ohtani to move to the Los Angeles Dodgers Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Tokyo. Ohtani agreed to a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

The Dodgers gave Shohei Ohtani $700 million to hit and pitch — but also because he can sell

Shohei Ohtani’s jaw-dropping $700 million, 10-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers has some similarities to other contracts for the world’s biggest sports stars, including soccer icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, along with NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

A staff distributes an extra edition of the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reporting on Shohei Ohtani to move to the Los Angeles Dodgers Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Tokyo. Ohtani agreed to a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Ohtani cashes in as fans in Japan wait for him to deliver more goods and play in a World Series

Now that Shohei Ohtani has his money — a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers — some fans in Japan are waiting for one more thing to complete the deal.

FILE - Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani throws during a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Anaheim, Calif., June 21, 2023. Ohtani agreed Saturday, Dec. 9, to a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)

Shohei Ohtani joins big-money club with massive contract with Los Angeles Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Patrick Mahomes and Mike Trout are among the world’s top athletes, each with a long list of epic accomplishments.