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 doing something no one has done in over 100 years by playing both ways on a regular basis. His rare two-way ability has captured the attention of fans worldwide and made his rookie cards some of the most sought after on the modern baseball card market.
Ohtani was signed by the Los Angeles Angels as an international free agent out of Japan in December of 2017. Due to injuries limiting his pitching in 2018, most of his rookie cards feature him as a hitter from that season. With a fully healthy 2019 campaign showcasing his full two-way talents, several of his best cards come from releases after that breakout season established him as a true dual threat.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the top Shohei Ohtani baseball cards for collectors to keep an eye out for:
2018 Topps Series 1 #156 – As one of Ohtani’s first mainstream rookie cards in an American release, the 2018 Topps Series 1 is a must-have for any collector. Topps is the longest running and most iconic baseball card brand, making this a highly desirable rookie introduction. With its classic design and photo of Ohtani batting, it established him on the checklist of one of the flagship sets. PSA 10 examples currently sell for around $80-100.
2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto Refractor #BO-SO – Coming from Bowman’s high-end Chrome release, this rookie auto refractor flaunts one of Ohtani’s earliest signed cards stateside in colorful fashion. The refractor parallel makes it quite flashy in-hand. Numbered to just /99 copies, its rarity and prestigious brand name command top prices around $500-600 graded mint. For good reason, this stands out as one of his most iconic rookies.
2018 Topps Fire Red Refractor #156 – As a short printed parallel from Topps’ standard 2018 design, the Fire Red refractor puts a dazzling spin on Ohtani’s rookie introduction. Limited population numbers and stunning refracted color variations increase its allure for Angels PC collectors. In a PSA 10 slab, expect to pay $150-200 given its scarcity and good looks.
2019 Topps Series 1 #156 – Jumping to his first full big league campaign in 2019, Ohtani’s sophomore Topps card depicts him in an Angels uniform with stats from his two-way contributions. This serves as the standard base rookie for his breakout season at a much more affordable price than 2018 issues. Raw copies are under $10 while a PSA 10 holds value around $30-40 long term.
2019 Topps Chrome #156 – As one of the most visually appealing modern card designs on the market, Topps Chrome always demands attention from collectors. This refracted version of Ohtani’s 2019 Topps base stands out with its flashy parallels and photo pop. PSA 10 examples trade hands between $50-75 based on parallel coloring.
2019 Topps Chrome Green Refractor #156 /499 – Limited to just 499 copies, the green refractor takes Ohtani’s Chrome card to an entirely new level. Extremely scarce, coveted for its color, and holding his first full season of stats, this parallel consistently fetches $150-200 in top grade. It exemplifies the high-end of modern Ohtani collectibles.
2019 Topps Fire Red Refractor #156 /150 – Like the 2018 parallel, Topps Fire inserts always gain notoriety for their stunning refracted colors. Numbered to a tiny 150 copies, this 2019 Ohtani is among the most visually dramatic cards in his entire rookie portfolio. Mint condition examples regularly sell above the $300 mark.
2019 Topps Holiday Promo #H1 – As one of just a few true one-of-one Ohtani cards in existence, the 2019 Topps Holiday Promo stands alone at the very top. This incredibly rare factory sealed uncut sheet held special significance as a holiday gift from Topps to industry insiders. While extremely difficult to value without a comparable sale, as a true 1/1 creation, it could demand well over $1000 ungraded.
2019 Topps Museum Collection #156 – Topps’ high-end Museum Collection offers exquisite card designs with premium production techniques and materials. As one of Ohtani’s most beautifully crafted cards showcasing his breakout season, PSA 10s trade hands between $150-200. It exemplifies the pinnacle of modern Ohtani collectibles.
2019 Topps Finest Refractor Auto /99 – As one of his earliest signed rookie cards from his first full MLB campaign, Ohtani’s Finest refractor auto holds immense significance. Limited population, flashy refractors, and coveted on-card signature combine to make this a true holy grail among Angels PC collectors. In a PSA 10 holder, expect to pay well over $500 given its rarity and prestige.
Overall, Shohei Ohtani’s unique two-way talents and breakout 2019 season have made his rookie cards some of the most sought after modern issues in the hobby. From affordable mainstream issues to high-end parallels and autographs, Ohtani mania shows no signs of slowing among collectors. As his career continues to grow, so too will the value of these early cards commemorating his unprecedented abilities. With such a small printed portfolio to choose from as well, finding and acquiring the best Ohtani rookies will become increasingly difficult the more established he becomes.
