Recent Balance has a recent addition to the family: two-time Major League Baseball All-Star and 2021 American League MVP Shohei Ohtani.

The one player to ever be named as each a starting pitcher and leadoff hitter within the league’s annual All-Star Game, the Japanese native has signed a long-term cope with the Boston-based sports brand.

The deal includes the co-creation of a limited-edition 574 Cleat, an updated version of considered one of the brand’s classic models, which is able to now be worn on the sector for the primary time. The 574 Cleat is comparable to the unique shoe but includes changes to the inside that ensure it’s suitable for the sector and offers the fit, support and performance elements which can be necessary to today’s athletes. The 574 Cleat will launch in February on the Recent Balance website and can retail starting at $120.

“Shohei is a once-in-a-generation athlete who matches with our larger roster of athletes of their approach to their respective sports,” said Neil Brooks, head of baseball sports marketing for Recent Balance. “Shohei is rarely satisfied and is consistently pushing himself and his team to be higher while letting his on-field performance speak for itself. We sit up for constructing the connection and helping Shohei achieve his dreams and in the method truly change the sport as we understand it.” 

Ohtani was already a star in his native country when he signed with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018, the yr he was also named American League Rookie of the Yr.

“As I proceed my journey in baseball I’m excited to affix the Recent Balance family,” Ohtani said. “Recent Balance is a world brand that is understood for having incredible product innovation but additionally for being an authentic brand who allows their athletes to be themselves. I’m excited to affix with them to vary the sport.” 

Ohtani joins other Recent Balance athlete ambassadors across a wide range of sports including Kawhi Leonard, Sydney McLaughlin, Coco Gauff, Raheem Sterling and Sadio Mané.