Shohei Ohtani was often the target of numerous requests during his time with the Angels. However, as a two-way player, he dedicated most of his time to baseball and was difficult to reach for personal requests. Requests had to go through his agent, Nez Balelo of CAA, many of which were declined. The close-knit relationship among Ohtani, his interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, and Balelo created a tight cocoon around Ohtani, making it hard to discern who was actually making the decisions.
A scandal erupted when it was discovered that Mizuhara had embezzled nearly $17 million from Ohtani to cover gambling debts. The relationship dynamics among the three made it possible for Mizuhara to commit the theft without Ohtani or Balelo’s knowledge. Despite facing this setback, Ohtani has continued to excel in his baseball career and is considered a top MVP candidate this season.
Ohtani’s unwavering dedication to his craft and the sport of baseball made him vulnerable to Mizuhara’s deceit. Ohtani entrusted Mizuhara with managing his affairs, while Balelo failed to intervene in the interpreter’s handling of Ohtani’s private account. With Mizuhara now out of the picture, Ohtani has become more assertive and proactive in his career decisions.
The unique relationship between Ohtani, Mizuhara, and Balelo allowed Mizuhara to wield significant influence, leading to the betrayal that unfolded. Now, as Ohtani moves forward with the Dodgers, he is taking on a more independent role and engaging more with his teammates.