Shohei Ohtani – Wikinews, the free news source

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Friday, February 13, 2026
 

The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani has made a notable off-field announcement as he prepares for his ninth Major League Baseball season in 2026.
The two-way phenom, who has already established himself as one of the game’s all-time greats through eight MLB campaigns—including back-to-back MVP seasons, World Series championships with the Dodgers, and historic offensive and pitching feats—took to Instagram late Thursday to unveil his first signature collection with longtime partner New Balance.
“Introducing this season’s Shohei Ohtani Signature Collection by New Balance,” Ohtani posted. “Designed for on-field performance and off-field style, this collection features new performance and lifestyle pieces along with a new women’s and kids line in select markets.”
The launch expands Ohtani’s growing influence beyond the diamond, where he continues to blend elite hitting and pitching in unprecedented ways. After a limited pitching role in recent years due to recovery from elbow surgery, expectations are sky-high for his return to full two-way duties in 2026. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and pitching coach Mark Prior have expressed excitement about seeing the “full version” of Ohtani, with Roberts even suggesting the star could contend for his first Cy Young Award while maintaining his offensive dominance.
The announcement comes amid a busy offseason buildup for Ohtani and the Dodgers, who are chasing a historic three-peat after winning consecutive titles. Ohtani will represent Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic as a designated hitter (opting not to pitch to prioritize his health and readiness for the MLB season), and the team recently revealed promotional plans featuring multiple Ohtani bobbleheads honoring his legendary Game 4 performance in the 2025 NLCS—where he started on the mound, threw six shutout innings with 10 strikeouts, and went 3-for-3 with three home runs at the plate.
As Ohtani enters his third season with Los Angeles under his landmark 10-year contract, his latest venture underscores his status not just as baseball’s premier talent but as a global brand. Fans can expect the signature line to blend high-performance athletic wear with stylish everyday options, further cementing Ohtani’s impact on and off the field.
With spring training approaching and the Dodgers loaded for another championship run, all eyes remain on the Japanese sensation as he aims to add even more hardware to his already extraordinary resume in 2026.