MLB star Shohei Ohtani announced his partnership with athletic apparel and footwear company New Balance on Tuesday.
On the same day, New Balance revealed that the two-time MLB All-Star had signed a long-term deal with the activewear brand.
Both Ohtani and New Balance took to Instagram to announce the news.
“He’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen. And now he wears New Balance,” the brand wrote, along with a photo of the 28-year-old athlete. “Welcome to the @newbalance family, @shoheiohtani. #WeGotNow”
In a statement, Neil Brooks, the brand’s head of baseball sports marketing, called Shohei a “once-in-a-generation athlete” who fits their roster of athletes in their approach to their respective sports.
Shohei is never satisfied and is constantly pushing himself and his team to be better while letting his on-field performance speak for itself. We look forward to building the relationship and helping Shohei achieve his dreams and in the process truly change the game as we know it.
New Balance’s roster also includes NBA stars Kawhi Leonard and Zach LaVine, soccer players Sadio Mane and Raheem Sterling and hurdler and sprinter Sydney McLaughlin.
“As I continue my journey in baseball, I am excited to join the New Balance family,” Ohtani said. “New Balance is a global brand that is known for having incredible product innovation but also for being an authentic brand who allows their athletes to be themselves. I am excited to join with them to change the game.”
As part of the deal, New Balance will be launching the limited-edition 574 Cleat.
Although its pattern matches the original 574, the cleat version reportedly includes interior changes necessary for the field, including support and performance elements.
The 574 Cleat will launch in February with the retail price starting at $120.
Ohtani, who will be a free agent in October, is preparing for another season with the Los Angeles Angels which starts on March 30.
