Shohei Ohtani is baseball’s one-of-a-kind international superstar and has achieved career accomplishments the sport has rarely seen before — most recently becoming the first player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season, his first with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Baseball card collectors across the globe have been enchanted by the two-time American League MVP’s ability to hit and pitch at the highest level and his emergence as arguably the generation’s greatest player. So what are the best options when it comes to collecting Ohtani trading cards? Here are our picks.
Top pick
(full recommendations below)
2018 Bowman Chrome #1 rookie card
Ohtani’s 2018 Bowman Chrome #1 is my best value recommendation based on the card’s great image, price, and the lower number of graded copies compared to his other Topps base (most common version) rookie cards. It also marks one of his first chrome (printed on a thicker card stock with a shinier image) rookie cards as a member of the Los Angeles Angels organization, where he began his MLB career.
Things to know before buying
The value of sports cards can fluctuate for various reasons such as condition, print runs, or graded population. Other factors that can cause prices to go up or down include player performance, market trends, and health of the wider economy. The secondary sales market for individual cards of a given sport generally hits its lowest point during the offseason (in other words, you can usually find better prices in the offseason than during the season). My recommendations are not an attempt to promote specific investment behavior or trading advice, but to guide and inform readers about popular and unique cards that are celebrated by the sports card community.
Ultimately, the best cards to collect are always the ones you will enjoy regardless of whether they go up or down in value. The recommendations below should serve as a starting point for cards to consider, but a big part of the fun in collecting is the hunt for the cards you like the most.
“Raw” cards vs. Graded cards
Cards can come out of the pack (their “raw” state) with a wide variety of imperfections that can impact their value. Card grading is a process in a which an expert of the field determines the condition of a card based on a number of factors (including corner sharpness, image centering, print imperfections, and more) and assigns a numerical grade, usually on a scale of 1-10 (with the latter being close to perfect) and sealed in a protective case. There are a number of grading companies, each with their own unique grading scales, but Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) is by far the largest and most prominent in the industry. Cards graded a “PSA 10” can carry a significant value multiplier compared to raw cards or those graded by other companies.
It’s fine (and often cheaper) to buy cards raw, but if you want to ensure authenticity and/or a minimum condition level and you’re not experienced at determining card condition for yourself, you may want to buy a graded card instead — particularly if you’re buying online and only able to see the card in photographs.
Best low-end (~$1-$99) Shohei Ohtani cards
This is a category for collectors who are on a tighter budget or aren’t as concerned about the long-term monetary value of the cards they buy.
2018 Topps Stadium Club #138 rookie card
If you desire an inexpensive Ohtani rookie card from a relatively well-known set among collectors, look no further than his 2018 Topps Stadium Club #138 card. Debuting in 1991, Stadium Club offers a unique perspective on players through its captivating sports photography. I think Topps successfully utilized this for Ohtani’s Stadium Club rookie card, which shows him standing at the podium during his introductory press conference with the Angels. PSA 10 graded examples currently sell less than $100 on average and raw copies are going for around $20. Ohtani’s Stadium Club rookie card is a solid first choice for new collectors because of the set’s positive reputation in the hobby and its affordable price compared to others containing his rookie cards.
More expensive variations and parallels (alternate versions) of this card: Red Foil, Black Foil, Sepia, Black/White, Rainbow Foilboard (/25 — meaning only 25 copies printed), First Day Issue (10 copies), Members Only (1 per case), Photographer’s Proof (1:2 cases), Gold Rainbow Foilboard (1/1)
2018 Topps #700 rookie card
Out of the dozens of rookie cards produced of the 2018 American League Rookie of the Year, Ohtani’s Topps #700 card from Series 2 of their flagship set is probably his most familiar and accessible to purchase.
Although modern Topps paper stock cards are not particularly known for generating high sales prices on the secondary market for its base cards, the set’s large print run combined with its massive appeal to both novice and experienced collectors alike makes it one of Ohtani’s most transacted rookie cards on eBay.
The current demand for his Topps #700 has it selling for around $40 ungraded, but the set offers variations and parallels (see list below) that I’d consider worthy alternatives for those who want a more limited Ohtani rookie card.
Since Ohtani has been solely focused on hitting during the 2024 season as he recovers from his second elbow injury, I can understand fans who’d prefer a rookie card that captures him at bat rather than on the mound, but the fact that it’s his first rookie card from a Topps’ flagship release is why I have it as my favorite low-end recommendation.
More expensive variations and parallels: Rainbow Foil, Gold (/2018), Vintage Stock (/99), Independence Day (/76), Black (/67), Mother’s Day Pink (/50), Father’s Day Powder Blue (/50), Memorial Day Camo (/25), Clear (/10), Negative, Platinum 1/1, Printing Plates (1/1)
Best value (~$100-$499) Shohei Ohtani card
This is a category for collectors looking to pay a bit more for cards that have some degree of scarcity and have a better chance at retaining or increasing in value long-term.
2018 Bowman Chrome #1 rookie card
Bowman Chrome is the must-have set for chasing premium cards of young international players who haven’t yet made it to the MLB. In 2000, Topps released the Bowman Draft set for fans who want to collect U.S. prospects and MLB draft picks. “Prospecting,” or acquiring cards of prospects with the hope of seeing returns based on future upside, has become one of the most popular forms of collecting, buying, and selling in modern baseball cards. It can be a fun (and risky) way to invest in potential stars at the beginning of their professional journey. However, Bowman Chrome also includes a player’s first card once they debut in the Major Leagues, which, generally includes an “RC” (for “rookie card”) stamped on the front.
Ohtani’s 2018 Bowman Chrome #1 is one of his most expensive base rookie cards and is highly coveted based on its price and low PSA 10 graded population in comparison to his others. Bowman products generally have lower print runs than Topps and Topps Chrome products, which helps them retain value better.
According to PSA, there are less than 7,300 examples of this card authenticated by the company and less than 4,400 have received a Gem Mint 10 grade. (For comparison, there are around 15,000 PSA graded examples of the memorable 2018 Topps Chrome #150 and about 13,000 PSA 10s.)
The card’s portrayal of Ohtani staring down his opponent as he gears up for the next pitch is absolutely iconic, and the image and design makes it the best looking rookie card of his that Topps has to offer, in my eyes. As of this writing, PSA 9 graded examples are selling for around $360 and raw sales are in the $225 range.
More expensive variations and parallels: Refractor (/499), Purple Refractor (/250), Blue Refractor (/150), Green Refractor (/99), Gold Refractor (/50), Orange Refractor (/25), Red Refractor (/5), Superfractor (1/1)
Best high-end (~$500+) Shohei Ohtani cards
This is a category for collectors looking to acquire the most desired Ohtani cards on the market.
2018 Topps Chrome Rookie Autograph #RA-SO
Modern baseball collectors widely revere the Topps Chrome brand for its rookie cards and refractor parallels, but the biggest chase of the product has to be its rookie autographs. The precise number of cards printed for Ohtani’s base rookie autograph from Topps Chrome is unknown, but it’s a small percentage compared to his other non-autograph cards from the set. Between the three major grading companies (PSA, BGS, SGC), less than 200 copies have been graded.
Ohtani’s base rookie autograph cards from popular sets have skyrocketed in value and popularity in recent years, with sales of his Topps Chrome rookie autos going for thousands of dollars. Back in 2020, certain Ohtani rookie autos in various grades were selling for as low as $300. Topps Chrome also offers several rookie auto refractor parallels if you are really looking to make a big-dollar purchase. In January of 2024, Ohtani’s Topps Chrome Rookie Autograph Red Refractor, limited to only 5 copies, sold for over $40,00 at auction.
The rich history of Topps Chrome rookie autograph cards and the minimal number of Ohtanis produced for the set is why it has my vote as one of his finest base rookie autograph cards.
More expensive variations and parallels: Refractor (/499), Purple Refractor (/250), Blue Refractor (/150), Blue Wave /150), Green Refractor (/99), Gold Refractor (/50), Gold Wave Refractor (/50) Orange Refractor (/25), Red Refractor (/5), Red Wave (/5), Superfractor (1/1)
2017 Bowman Mega Box Chrome Prospects #BCP31
I’ve already touched on one of Ohtani’s Bowman Chrome rookie cards, but his very first Bowman Chrome can only be found in 2017 Bowman Mega Boxes. Mega Boxes include two exclusive packs of Chrome cards where collectors can pull Ohtani’s first official trading card produced in the United States.
Ohtani made his MLB debut with the Angels in 2018 but was added to the 2017 Bowman Mega Box checklist as part of Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic. The card also spells his last name as “Otani” on the front and back, making it particularly unique.
Ohtani’s Bowman Mega Box Chrome Prospects #BCP31 was not offered in normal Bowman packs, which further increases its scarcity and desirability among collectors. Raw versions are selling on eBay for nearly $1,000 with only a few monthly transactions over the last year, while Gem Mint PSA 10 examples sales have been between $1,200 and $1,800 in recent weeks.
The card’s unique origin story, limited availability, and it being Ohtani’s first card produced in the U.S. makes it extremely collectible.
More expensive variations and parallels: Purple Refractor (/250), Green Refractor (/99), Orange Refractor (/25), Black Refractor (1/1)
Other cool Ohtani Cards
2023 World Baseball Classic Topps Now #71
Print-to-order cards are generally considered less desirable than pack-pulled cards by collectors, but sometimes they capture a moment that can transcend that sentiment. That’s the case with the Topps Now card produced to commemorate when Ohtani struck out then Angels teammate Mike Trout to win the 2023 World Baseball Classic for Japan in one of the most memorable at bats in recent baseball history. The photo on this card, framed from behind the batter’s box as Ohtani bested Trout is just spectacular. For that reason, it had a high print run for a Topps Now card (42,273), which has held its monetary value in check (currently around $20 raw and $70 in a PSA 10), but it’s just a great card for any Ohtani collector.
2018 Panini Donruss Whammy!
Despite having no official MLB logos, Panini’s Donruss Whammy! is a caricature-inspired theme insert set that baseball collectors enjoy because of its cartoonish illustration and sparkly foil background.
Topps has the exclusive MLB trading card license, meaning they are the only manufacturer that can print Major League team names and logos on their trading cards. Unlicensed cards, like those produced by Panini for baseball, are generally less desirable, but some cards can overcome their unofficial status with an eye-catching design. That’s the case with Ohtani’s Whammy! insert.
I wouldn’t necessarily consider this to be one of the most expensive or sought-after inserts made by Panini (in comparison to their NFL and NBA sets), but depending on the player and year, Whammy! inserts can sell for more than a couple hundred bucks.
Not only is this a cool looking card, but it’s extremely hard to pull out of a pack and doesn’t have many copies graded by PSA. Only 54 examples have received a Gem Mint 10 grade by the company, with a recent sale reaching more than $1,300.
Ohtani’s Whammy! is one of the premier non-licensed cards from his rookie season and is a nice representation of his home run power at the plate.
2024 Topps Chrome Sapphire Edition #500 Image Variation and Base Card
Ohtani has only spent one season on the Los Angeles Dodgers as of this writing, meaning he has a relatively small number of cards that feature him in a Dodgers uniform compared to the Angels. However, I had to leave you with at least two visually mesmerizing cards from Ohtani’s historic 2024 season — his Topps Chrome Sapphire #500 image variation (pictured above) and base cards.
Topps and Topps Chrome sets offer a few image variations that showcase Ohtani on the Dodgers, but I find the image used to be underwhelming compared to the Sapphire, which shows a smiling Ohtani high-fiving teammates in celebration. Not to mention, the dazzling blue “cracked ice” design of Sapphire cards perfectly matches Ohtani’s Dodgers uniform. If you are a fan of this set but favor a card with an action shot of the four-time All-Star, the base card (pictured below) is a phenomenal second choice that costs nearly half as much as the image variation.
The high-end price of Sapphire boxes and the set’s relatively low print run for today’s standards are considered a plus for collectors who want an Ohtani Dodgers card that’s not a highly printed base card from one of Topps’ mainstream products. But more importantly, I believe it’s one of his most visually stunning cards from his first season sporting the Dodger blue.
Getting the best price
Prices for a certain trading card can vary wildly and fluctuate quickly, making it important to check recent sales of a given card to make sure you’re buying at a fair value. You can check recent sales of an item on eBay by selecting the “sold items” filter on search results. You can also run a search on 130point.com, which is a free site that provides sales data from a number of online marketplaces. There are also several apps that provide more in-depth sales data, often charging subscription fees for full access.
To account for outliers, it’s important to take multiple previous sales into account, not just the single most recent. It’s also important to note the recency of those sales and any real-world factors that could affect changes in value.
Why you should trust us
As a second-generation collector, Tyler Holzhammer started collecting cards and attending the National Sports Collectors Convention at 10 years old. He’s continued his passion as a collector into a career, providing sports card content and market analysis for companies like Sports Card Investor and Goldin Auctions. Tyler’s sports card collection is centered around players from his favorite teams, the Los Angeles Rams and the St. Louis Cardinals.
How we recommended
We utilize marketplace research databases that provide sports card analysis and sales information, such as eBay’s Terapeak product research tool and CardLadder. We recommended this list of cards by analyzing the values, sales volume, set popularity, and grading population of over a dozen different Shohei Ohtani rookie cards.
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(Top photo: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images; card images: eBay)
