In a move that has stunned the baseball world, Los Angeles Dodgers star designated hitter Shohei Ohtani has officially submitted his resignation letter to Major League Baseball, announcing his departure from the sport effective immediately.
Sources close to the team confirmed that Ohtani’s letter was received earlier today by both Dodgers management and the MLB Commissioner’s Office. The unprecedented decision comes just weeks after his return from a brief injury-related hiatus, and in the middle of a season where the Dodgers remain in strong playoff contention.
Ohtani’s resignation letter, excerpts of which have begun circulating among media outlets, cites a combination of physical, personal, and philosophical reasons for his departure. He reportedly expressed deep gratitude to his teammates, fans, and the organizations he has been part of — but added that his body “can no longer carry the weight of the expectations placed upon it.” He also alluded to growing frustrations over how two-way players are managed, implying that the demands of balancing pitching and hitting at the highest level had become “unsustainable.”
The letter also makes reference to personal matters, stating that he intends to return to Japan to spend more time with family and pursue projects that have “long been put on hold” due to the relentless MLB schedule.
Dodgers officials have not yet released a formal statement, though a team spokesperson described the mood in the clubhouse as “somber and emotional.” Several teammates were visibly shaken upon hearing the news and declined to comment until the team had a chance to regroup.
Around the league, reactions have ranged from disbelief to admiration. Fans have flooded social media with messages of support, while many players — current and former — have praised Ohtani’s courage to step away on his own terms. One prominent MLB veteran tweeted, “Nobody understands what it takes to be Shohei Ohtani. If he says he’s done, we owe him respect, not questions.”
At the time of publication, MLB has yet to confirm whether it will honor the resignation immediately or engage in discussions with Ohtani’s representatives. If accepted, this could mark one of the most shocking and impactful mid-season exits in the history of professional sports.
As the baseball world grapples with the news, one thing is certain: the game may never see another player quite like Shohei Ohtani again.
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