‘Decoy Saves Opening Day’ Coming in 2026

Los Angeles Dodgers sensation Shohei Ohtani just isn’t your standard athlete. In reality, he simply ventured into the sphere of writing books for kids along with his first launch, “Decoy Saves Opening Day.” He co-wrote it with Michael Blank, and Fanny Liem took care of the illustration.

For curious readers who wish to glimpse the story, it is all about his high-fiving canine Decoy. The ebook will hit cabinets on February 3, 2026, simply forward of Ohtani’s ninth MLB season.

Tail-Wagging Adventure With a Baseball Twist

From HarperCollins, that is about Decoy racing towards the clock to get his good-luck baseball. The pup has to get house to the stadium in time for the opening pitch, giving us a lighthearted, true-to-life story about friendship, luck, and perseverance.

The ebook cowl, shared on Ohtani’s Instagram, exhibits Decoy—baseball’s most well-known Kooikerhondje. While fictional, the plot provides a healthful glimpse into the playful world surrounding one in all MLB’s most beloved stars.

Real-Life Fan Favorite: The Legend of Decoy

According to CBS Sports, Decoy earned on-line fame throughout Ohtani’s high-profile free company when followers speculated that the canine’s title would possibly trace on the participant’s subsequent crew. Although the rumors proved unfounded, Decoy remained a staple in Ohtani’s public picture, making him the right muse for a kids’s story.

Ohtani’s affection for Decoy is eternal. Through the ebook, he’s connecting with younger audiences whereas giving followers one more reason to admire him past his athletic prowess.

Ohtani’s 2025 Season

At 31, Ohtani, a five-time All-Star, nonetheless overwhelms each on the bat and once more these days, on the mound. With a .276 batting common, 32 house runs, and an OPS+ of 174, he is in good place for his third MVP award. Since getting back from elbow surgical procedure, he is thrown a 1.00 ERA in 9 innings pitched over 5 appearances, solely including to his standing as one in all baseball’s most uncommon abilities.