Shohei Ohtani is one of the most unique and exciting players in Major League Baseball today. As both an elite pitcher and hitter, Ohtani is the first true two-way player seen in the big leagues in decades. His incredible abilities on both sides of the ball have made him a superstar and one of the faces of MLB. Not surprisingly, Ohtani’s rookie cards and newer cards featuring his dual talents have become some of the most sought after and valuable modern baseball cards on the market.
Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best Shohei Ohtani baseball cards for collectors to consider adding to their collections. We’ll examine several of his top rookie cards from 2018, as well as some of his more recent standout cards that highlight his unprecedented two-way skills.
2018 Topps Chrome Shohei Ohtani #87 RC Refractor Auto PSA 10
This is arguably the crown jewel of Ohtani’s rookie card offerings and one of the highest valued modern baseball cards in existence. The 2018 Topps Chrome refractor version of Ohtani’s base rookie card autographed by the player is an incredibly rare pull, with only a small number believed to exist in the coveted PSA Gem Mint 10 grade.
In a PSA 10 case, this Ohtani rookie refractor auto has sold for well over $10,000 and could fetch $15,000+ in today’s market based on recent comps. What makes it so desirable is that it features Ohtani’s autograph on the always popular Topps Chrome refractors, it carries his coveted rookie card designation (RC), and it has received the perfect technical and centering grades from PSA. Simply put, this is the crème de la crème of Ohtani rookie cards.
2018 Bowman Chrome Shohei Ohtani Auto Blue Refractor /150 BGS 9.5
While not quite as rare as the Topps Chrome refractor auto, Ohtani’s blue refractor auto from 2018 Bowman Chrome is still an exceptionally scarce pull. The blue parallel was limited to only 150 copies, and high grade examples with a BGS 9.5 or better gem mint grade command big money.
We’ve seen several of these beautiful Ohtani blue refractor autos crack the $5,000 price point even in a BGS 9.5 holder. The card really pops with its electric blue coloring and the relative low print run compared to standard refractors makes it a true short-print parallel collectors seek. Its status as Ohtani’s flagship Bowman Chrome rookie card adds to its appeal.
2018 Topps Five Star Shohei Ohtani Auto Patch /5 BGS 9.5
For the ultra-high-end collector, Ohtani’s autographed patch card from 2018 Topps Five Star ranks among the very best. Limited to a tiny print run of just 5 copies, this rare parallel features a swatch of Ohtani’s game-worn jersey embedded within the card design.
Given its scarcity and inclusion of a coveted on-card auto and memorabilia relic, a PSA-graded example would command a price well into the five-figure range. We’ve seen recently sold comps for PSA 9 examples eclipse $15,000, so a pristine BGS 9.5 could realistically bring $25,000+ at auction among the most serious vintage and modern card collectors. It truly exemplifies the pinnacle Ohtani rookie card.
2019 Topps Update RC Variation #US399 Shohei Ohtani
While not an autograph, Ohtani’s rare variation rookie card from 2019 Topps Update stands out as one of the more valuable standard issue cards from his early years in MLB. The card features an alternate photo of Ohtani in batting practice and was only available as an ultra-short print from hobby packs that year.
Graded examples in Gem Mint PSA 10 condition have sold for $1,000+, showing there is strong collector demand even for Ohtani’s basic rookies when they exhibit rarity factors like scarce parallel variations. This card captured Ohtani in one of his roles as a two-way player and remains one of his most visually striking base rookies from the early days of his MLB career.
2021 Topps Transcendent Collection Shohei Ohtani Auto Patch /10 BGS 9.5
To highlight Ohtani’s incredible 2021 AL MVP season which cemented his status as a true two-way force, Topps released their ultra-premium Transcendent Collection featuring exquisite patches and autographs. This short print parallel featuring dual swatches and on-card auto ranks among the best modern Ohtani cards available.
With a tiny print run of only 10 copies for this parallel, finding even a single card in a pristine BGS 9.5 holder is an achievement. Early estimations place the value of this rare Ohtani patch auto card over $10,000, showing how his newer starring roles continue to produce some of the most investment-worthy cards on the market today for serious collectors. It’s a true work of art celebrating Ohtani’s two-way excellence.
2022 Topps Opening Day Shohei Ohtani /99 Gold Refractor Auto BGS 9.5
As Ohtani’s fame and production keeps growing with each new season, so does collector demand for his latest cards. The 2022 Topps Opening Day gold refractor auto limited to 99 copies stands out as one of his best modern parallels available.
While still relatively new, examples already command over $1,000 in a BGS 9.5 holder, showing there is strong early value recognition for Ohtani’s autographed short prints. As one of his first major cards from 2022, it serves as an investment in what’s sure to be another huge campaign from the superstar. With Ohtani in his prime, these recent short printed refractors and parallels have a very good chance to increase substantially in value down the road.
In summary, Shohei Ohtani’s unprecedented two-way talents have made him a collector favorite since his arrival in MLB. His top rookie cards like the 2018 Topps Chrome refractor auto and Bowman Chrome blue refractor continue to set record prices. But Ohtani also produces some of the most investment-worthy modern cards with each new season’s short printed parallels and memorabilia cards from elite products. As his career progresses, demand for these unique cards capturing his dual abilities on the mound and at the plate is sure to remain very strong for dedicated baseball collectors.
