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Los Angeles Angels pitcher Shohei Ohtani has signed a long-term deal with New Balance. The 2x MLB All-Star and 2021 American League MVP will be unveiling a limited-edition New Balance 574 Cleat. Ohtani is in good company at New Balance as the brand recently signed skate legend Andrew Reynolds and rising baller Tyrese Maxey.
As I continue my journey in baseball I am excited to join the New Balance family. 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.
Shohei Ohtani
Ohtani is one of baseball’s few two-way players and is the only player to ever be named as a starting pitcher and leadoff hitter in the MLB All-Star game. The Angels player also had major success in his home country of Japan, attaining five NPB All-Star selections and was crowned Japan Series Champion in 2016.
Two years later in 2018, Shohei signed an MLB contract and earned the American League Rookie of the Year Award. 2023 marks Ohtani’s sixth year in the MLB and his New Balance contract is just the beginning.
Shohei is a once-in-a-generation athlete who fits with our larger 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.
Neil Brooks, Head of Baseball Sports Marketing at New Balance
For Ohtani’s first project, the Angels athlete will be starring in a campaign that features a limited-edition New Balance 574 Cleat, a new take on one of the brand’s classic models. This is the first time that the iconic 574 will appear on the field, bringing the culture of baseball and fashion together.
The upcoming cleat is said to copy the pattern and aesthetic of the 574, but updates have been made to the interior to ensure that the cleat is fit for the field and has the proper form to support performance elements.
Look for Shohei Ohtani to debut the New Balance 574 Cleat soon. The cleat will launch in February at NewBalance.com, with the retail price starting at $120. For more sneaker news and release dates, follow @NiceKicks on Instagram.
