Much like the rest of the world, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was caught off guard by Shohei Ohtani’s surprise marriage revelation.
Hours after the Dodgers’ two-way superstar announced his marriage to a Japanese woman in a stunning Instagram post, Roberts said wedding presents might be delayed given the team was “surprised and didn’t have much time to think about it.”
“I’m very happy for him and his bride,” Roberts said Thursday. “As far as wedding gifts, we got surprised and didn’t have much time to think about it. I’m sure it’s en route.”
Ohtani, 29, who has kept much of his personal life under wraps despite being an international superstar, disclosed more details about the union while at the Dodgers’ spring training facility in Arizona.
The two-time AL MVP has known his wife “for around three to four years,” The Athletic reported Thursday, with the Los Angeles Times noting the couple got engaged last year and that she “came to join him during this spring training camp.”
Ohtani’s revelation came just days after he made his spring training debut for the Dodgers, with whom he signed a monster 10-year, $700 million contract in December following six seasons with the Angels.
The bulk of the deal — $680 million, to be exact — will be deferred until after the contract as the Dodgers look to build a championship contender.
“To all my friends and fans throughout, I have an announcement to make: 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,” Ohtani’s Instagram post read Thursday.
“I am excited for what is to come and thank you for your support.”
Ohtani is not expected to pitch this season after undergoing elbow surgery in September.
The Dodgers open their season against the Padres on March 20 in South Korea.
