Shohei Ohtani is a once-in-a-generation baseball player. When he first signed with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018, many people questioned his ability to be a dominant two-way star in MLB.
While he battled injuries his first few seasons, Ohtani has outperformed all expectations since coming over from Japan. The three-time MVP has established himself as one of the best players ever, and he still has much more to accomplish in his career. Something he probably never thought he would achieve, though, is becoming a character in the video game “Fortnite.”
Shohei Ohtani Becomes First MLB Player in Fortnite
Fortnite is one of the most popular video games in the world. It is a battle royale-style game where 100 players fight to be the last one standing. The game has plenty of unique “skins,” which are cosmetics that change what the characters wear and look like in the game. Ohtani is the newest addition to the “Fortnite” shop, featuring him in his Dodgers uniform and another variation wearing a samurai suit.
The skins will be released on March 17 ahead of the Tokyo Derby, and given Ohtani’s popularity worldwide, you can bet they will be a top seller. Even Ohtani is interested in getting back into gaming and playing with his skin.
According to Tom Verducci of SI, Ohtani said, “Obviously, I’m a baseball player, so I’d probably have to choose one of the uniform outfits, whether it’s home or away,” he says. “Because I’m a baseball player, I would want to kind of swing the bat around while I’m playing.”
Next up to the plate in Fortnite March 17: Shohei Ohtani! ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/E2HQknzZ0X
— MLB (@MLB) March 10, 2025
Many celebrities and athletes have been honored with an Icon Series skin in “Fortnite.” Ohtani will join the likes of Eminem, LeBron James, Patrick Mahomes, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Snoop Dogg, among others. Ohtani will not be featured alone; he will also have his dog, Decoy, with him.
Ohtani’s Star Continues To Rise
When you think Ohtani cannot get any better, he goes out and has a historic season. His 2024 campaign will be considered one of the greatest of all time as he became the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a season. He won his second-straight MVP award and did all that while being exclusively a DH (doubled as a pitcher for his two AL MVPs).
Ohtani is expected to return to the mound in 2025 and again show off his unicorn-like two-way ability. He will likely be on an inning limit, but he should be dominant pitching in limited stints. Each year, the league and its fans have grown accustomed to seeing Ohtani do something we have never seen before — so what does he have in store for this season?