In a surprising announcement earlier this offseason, Shohei Ohtani revealed that he had recently tied the knot with a "normal Japanese woman" whom he had known for several years. While Ohtani has maintained a private personal life, he shared on Instagram a photo featuring his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers' trip to South Korea for the upcoming Seoul Series games against the San Diego Padres.

The Dodgers took to social media, posting a photo of Ohtani and Tanaka together and confirming that Tanaka is indeed the wife of the star player. Tanaka is not just an ordinary Japanese citizen; she previously played professional basketball for the Fujitsu Red Wave in the Women's Japan Basketball League.

Ohtani, who is known for making significant announcements via Instagram, had previously used the platform to unveil his signing with the Dodgers earlier this offseason. The highly-anticipated deal was reported to be worth a record-breaking $700 million, with $680 million in deferred payments.

Despite not pitching this season, Ohtani is set to make his Dodgers debut as the designated hitter during their two games against the Padres on March 20 and 21 at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. The slugger's wife has been by his side during spring training, demonstrating her support for his career decisions.

Ohtani's decision to settle down and marry Tanaka came as a surprise to many, given his usual discretion regarding his personal life. The couple reportedly got engaged last year, with Tanaka standing by Ohtani's side throughout his training camp.

As the Dodgers prepare for their international series against the Padres in Seoul, all eyes will be on Ohtani as he takes on the role of designated hitter. Fans and baseball enthusiasts will undoubtedly be curious to see how Ohtani's marriage may impact his performance on the field. While details about their wedding remain undisclosed, it is evident that Tanaka's role as Ohtani's wife will play a significant part in his journey as a Dodger.

The Seoul Series is expected to be an exhilarating clash between two talented teams, and Ohtani's presence will undoubtedly add to the excitement.