Cards to Collect

As baseball’s undisputed best player, Shohei Ohtani found himself in high demand as he entered free agency in 2023. After a relatively quiet yet attention-grabbing search, the two-time MVP and 29-year-old sensation bid farewell to Orange County, opting to relocate just an hour north to Los Angeles, leaving the Angels for the perennial powerhouse and World Series contender, the Dodgers. Ohtani’s groundbreaking 10-year, $700 million deal now stands as the largest contract in North American professional sports history. It’s no surprise that a deep-pocketed organization like the Dodgers would take such a monumental risk on a player who consistently contends for both the Cy Young and MVP awards year after year. So, to celebrate Ohtani’s remarkable success and this historic moment, let’s take a closer look at his journey to Los Angeles through a set of trading cards.

2018 MLB TOPPS NOW® Shohei Ohtani RC Auto /5

In 2018, Ohtani took home AL Rookie of the Year honors. The two-way superstar did so after a year when he totaled 22 homers, topped 60 RBIs and posted a 4-2 record on the mound. Of course, Topps took advantage of the moment, commemorating it with a Topps Now® featuring an auto and a print run of just five. Landing one of these takes a deep dive into the pockets, but that’s what happens when you’re chasing a rare card of a future legend.

2021 MLB TOPPS NOW® #508 Shohei Ohtani

In 2021, Ohtani achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first player in MLB history to start the All-Star Game as both a hitter and a pitcher. This accomplishment is just one among many in Ohtani’s career, and it’s unlikely to be replicated anytime soon. Is this worthy of a Topps Now card? We believe so, and our friends at Topps agree.

2021 MLB TOPPS NOW® #OS-40A Shohei Ohtani Auto /99

In 2021, Ohtani secured his first MVP Award, and Topps commemorated the moment by producing a limited Topps Now card featuring the superstar’s autograph. With only 99 copies available, this collectible quickly sold out, becoming a prized possession for collectors and requiring a significant investment to acquire.

2023 MLB TOPPS NOW® #OS-19 Shohei Ohtani

In 2023, Ohtani grabbed MVP honors for the second time in his career. Topps turned the moment into a collectible of course, but this one features a friend. We’re all suckers for a wholesome pic featuring a pup, right?

2023 MLB TOPPS NOW® #OS-21 Shohei Ohtani

This is why we’re all gathered here. To celebrate Ohtani’s record-setting contract and promising future in L.A. Now, let’s talk about the 2023 MLB TOPPS NOW® #OS-21 card because this is massive news. In 24 hours, it set a TOPPS NOW® record by selling an astounding 107,541 copies. Yes, you read that right, over 107k. So, these cards are abundant. But here’s the scoop: the value of this card continues to rise with each hit and strikeout. Happy Hunting!

Shohei Ohtani First Dodgers Cards & More Pt. 1

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