Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter pleads guilty; MLB considers matter closed

On the same day that Major League Baseball announced a lifetime gambling ban for San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano, it closed another potential gambling scandal involving one of the league's biggest stars.

Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud charges in a change-of-plea hearing on Tuesday after he was accused of stealing millions of dollars from Ohtani to pay off gambling debts. 

Shortly after Mizuhara's plea, Major League Baseball announced it was closing its investigation in the matter and it considers the case closed as far as Ohtani is concerned.

Major League Baseball and Ohtani both issued statements on the matter.

First, from the league:

"Based on the thoroughness of the federal investigation that was made public, the information MLB collected, and the criminal proceeding being resolved without being contested, MLB considers Shohei Ohtani a victim of fraud and this matter has been closed."

From Ohtani:

"Now that the investigation has been completed, this full admission of guilt has brought important closure to me and my family. I want to sincerely thank the authorities for finishing their thorough and effective investigation so quickly and uncovering all of the evidence. 

 "This has been a uniquely challenging time, so I am especially grateful for my support team - my family, agent, agency, lawyers, and advisors along with the entire Dodger organization, who showed endless support throughout this process. 

 "It's time to close this chapter, move on and continue to focus on playing and winning ballgames."

Mizuhara was accused in April of wiring nearly $17M from Ohtani's bank accounts to pay off gambling debts with an offshore bookmaker. He was accused of placing nearly 19,000 bets between December 2021 and January 2024 without Ohtani's consent. He won more than $142M and lost more than $184M on those bets, per the complaint.

Mizuhara could face more than 30 years in prison. Sentencing is expected to take place in October. 

Ohtani has become one of the biggest stars in baseball and has established himself as an all-time great due to his two-way dominance as a left-handed power hitter and starting pitcher, literally doing things that have not been done since Babe Ruth.