The Los Angeles Dodgers kicked off their 2026 Major League Baseball season in style, and not just because of their on-field talent. Ahead of the much-anticipated opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium on March 27, Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers’ superstar two-way sensation, delivered a surprise that had the entire clubhouse buzzing—and it had nothing to do with his pitching or hitting.
Ohtani, who is entering his third season with the Dodgers, gifted each of his teammates a luxurious Seiko wristwatch valued at approximately $4,000. The gesture wasn’t just about the price tag. Each watch was placed in a shopping bag and set in front of the players’ lockers, accompanied by a handwritten card from Ohtani that read: “Happy Opening Day! Let’s go for the three-peat!” The message was clear: Ohtani wants the Dodgers to chase history by clinching their third consecutive World Series title in 2026.
“That watch is something I’ll cherish forever, and we’ll always remember that one of the world’s best players gave us this gift to start the 2026 season,” veteran infielder Miguel Rojas told the LA Times, his gratitude unmistakable. “Everyone in this clubhouse is truly thankful. He uses his position to help his teammates, and that shows what kind of person he is both on and off the field.”
It’s not the first time Ohtani has gone above and beyond for his teammates. Just last year, before the Tokyo Series, he handed out Beats headphones—another brand he represents—to players. But there’s something extra special about this year’s gift. Seiko, the Japanese watchmaker, isn’t just a sponsor for Ohtani; he’s served as their ambassador since 2018. The brand’s name, which means “success” in Japanese, makes the gift all the more symbolic as the Dodgers embark on their quest for another championship.
Ohtani’s generosity wasn’t the only treat for the Dodgers ahead of Opening Day. Manager Dave Roberts also played his part, gifting whiskey to the players in celebration of the new season. Together, these gestures set a tone of camaraderie and ambition in the Dodgers’ clubhouse, sending a clear signal that this team is united in its pursuit of greatness.
Teoscar Hernandez, one of the Dodgers’ key offseason acquisitions, was equally impressed by Ohtani’s quiet leadership. “He’s always great,” Hernandez shared. “He’s not the talkative type, but we spent some time together off the field during camp, and he’s enjoyable company. He does speak up from time to time.”
But as with any exclusive club, not everyone made the cut. Infielder Kim Hye-sung didn’t make the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster, meaning he missed out on the coveted Ohtani watch. It’s a reminder of the fierce competition and high standards within the organization, especially as the Dodgers aim for a rare three-peat in what’s shaping up to be a historic season.
Ohtani’s impact on the Dodgers extends far beyond the locker room. After undergoing left shoulder surgery following an injury sustained during the 2024 World Series, Ohtani returns this season in full two-way form. For the first time since joining the Dodgers, he’ll start the year as both a pitcher and a hitter—a feat that’s become his trademark and a source of endless fascination for fans and analysts alike.
His performance in spring training suggests he’s ready to deliver. As a hitter, Ohtani appeared in six games, posting a .308 batting average and an OPS of .819. On the mound, he notched a 1-1 record with a 3.24 ERA across two games. Those numbers might just be a warm-up for what’s to come as he bats leadoff in the season opener and prepares for his first two-way start of the season on April 1 against the Cleveland Guardians.
The Dodgers’ ambitions are sky-high, and Ohtani’s presence only fuels the fire. The team is gunning for a third straight World Series crown, a feat that would cement their place among the greatest dynasties in baseball history. The symbolism of the Seiko watches—a brand synonymous with precision and success—wasn’t lost on anyone in the clubhouse. As Ohtani’s card reminded his teammates, “Let’s go for the three-peat!”
Rojas, reflecting on Ohtani’s gesture, added, “He truly values his teammates and the LA community. We come from different places, but this watch is something we’ll keep for life, and we’ll always remember that the best player in the world gave it to us for the 2026 opener.”
There’s no denying that Ohtani’s actions set a tone for the season. His quiet determination and generosity have already made an impression, and his return to the mound and batter’s box is one of the most anticipated storylines in baseball. The Dodgers, with a roster packed with talent and a clubhouse united by shared goals—and now, by matching wristwatches—are poised for another run at glory.
As the Dodgers took the field for their season opener against the Diamondbacks, the mood was electric. The echoes of Ohtani’s message and the weight of the watches seemed to serve as a tangible reminder of what’s at stake. The team’s quest for a three-peat is underway, and with Ohtani leading the charge both on the field and in the clubhouse, the baseball world will be watching every pitch, every swing, and every moment.
With Opening Day in the books and the season stretching ahead, the Dodgers have set a high bar—not just for their play, but for their sense of unity and purpose. Ohtani’s thoughtful gift has already become a symbol of the team’s aspirations, and as the games unfold, the true value of that gesture will be measured not in dollars, but in victories and memories. The chase for history is on, and the Dodgers look ready to seize the moment.