David Américo Ortiz Arias, affectionately known as “Big Papi,” is a legendary figure in Major League Baseball, renowned for his clutch hitting and charismatic personality. Beyond his storied career with the Boston Red Sox, Ortiz's personal life, particularly his romantic journey, has also garnered significant public attention. His relationships have spanned decades, evolving from early partnerships to long-term marriages and new beginnings, all while navigating the complexities of fame and family.
Ortiz's romantic history began prior to his rise to MLB stardom. He welcomed his first child, a daughter named Jessica Ortiz, in 1995 or 1996, from a previous relationship. While details of this early partnership remain largely private, Jessica has remained a part of his life, representing his initial foray into fatherhood.
His most publicly recognized and enduring relationship was with Tiffany Ortiz. The couple met in the late 1990s, reportedly in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during Ortiz's early professional baseball career. Their connection blossomed, leading to their marriage in 2002. Together, David and Tiffany built a family, welcoming two children: daughter Alexandra Ortiz (born 2001) and son D'Angelo Ortiz (born 2004). Their marriage, spanning over two decades, was a significant part of Ortiz's public image throughout his illustrious playing career and into his retirement.
During their long relationship, David and Tiffany faced challenges, including a brief separation in 2003 that led to Ortiz filing for divorce. However, they reconciled in 2004, demonstrating a commitment to their family and their bond. Tiffany was a constant presence by his side, often seen at games and public events, supporting his career. They also co-founded the David Ortiz Children's Fund in 2007, a charitable organization dedicated to providing critical cardiac services for children in the Dominican Republic and New England, further solidifying their partnership beyond personal life.
After 25 years together, Tiffany Ortiz announced their separation in an Instagram post in December 2021. She stated, > "We have made the decision to go into a new phase of our life journey together, not as a couple, but as friends and co-parents to our amazing children." The divorce was finalized in 2023, marking the end of a significant chapter in David Ortiz's life, characterized by mutual respect and a continued focus on their children.
Separate from his long-term marriage, David Ortiz also has a son, David Andres Ortiz, born in 2008, with Fary Almanzar Fernandez. This relationship became publicly known due to a legal and financial dispute that emerged in 2020. Both Ortiz and Fernandez obtained restraining orders against each other amidst claims of financial disagreements. Ortiz's representatives stated he had provided significant financial support for his son and Fernandez, including housing. The dispute highlighted the complexities of co-parenting and financial responsibilities outside of his primary family structure.
Following his separation from Tiffany, David Ortiz embarked on a new romantic chapter with Maria Yeribel. Their relationship reportedly began in 2019, though it was largely kept private until Ortiz's divorce was finalized in 2023. Maria Yeribel, a social media personality, maintained a relatively low-key presence, with sources indicating she was genuinely drawn to Ortiz's character. The couple welcomed their first child together, a son named Diego Ortiz, in 2024, further deepening their bond.
In March 2025, David Ortiz announced his engagement to Maria Yeribel, sharing the news on social media. The announcement was met with excitement from fans, signaling a new and official phase in his romantic life. This engagement marks a significant milestone, as Ortiz embraces a future with Maria and their young son, continuing to prioritize family while stepping into this new personal commitment. His journey reflects a life lived in the public eye, with relationships that have evolved through various stages, from early fatherhood to enduring partnerships and new beginnings, all contributing to the rich tapestry of his personal story.