Shohei Ohtani, one of the most extraordinary talents in baseball history, has taken the sport by storm, redefining what it means to be a two-way player. His ability to dominate as both a pitcher and a hitter has made his rookie cards some of the most coveted and valuable in the hobby. With record-breaking seasons, unparalleled versatility, and a fanbase spanning the globe, Ohtani’s cards have soared in demand—and in value. This article highlights the top Shohei Ohtani rookie cards on the market, featuring some of the rarest and most prized editions that collectors and fans are willing to pay premium prices to own.
The Best & Most Valuable Shohei Ohtani Rookie Cards
1. 2018 Bowman Chrome Superfractor Autograph Batting (Estimated Value: $1 Million+)
This 1/1 Bowman Chrome Superfractor Autograph Batting card is the holy grail of Ohtani’s cards. Though it has never surfaced for sale, CardLadder estimates the non-autographed superfractor at $300,000, meaning this autographed version would likely break $1 million if it went to auction today, especially given the recent $4 million sale of Ohtani’s 50/50 home run ball. As one of Ohtani’s most elusive cards, it’s a true gem in the hobby.
There is also an image variation Ohtani Superfractor autograph from 2018 Bowman Chrome that has yet to surface. When it does, it will likely also fetch close to $500k.
2. 2018 Topps Chrome Sapphire Superfractor Autograph (BGS 9.5 with 10 Auto) (Estimated Value: $340,000)
One of the crown jewels of Shohei Ohtani’s rookie cards, this 1/1 Topps Chrome Sapphire Superfractor Auto has set records for its jaw-dropping sale prices, including a recent $336,000 sale in September 2024. This card has exchanged hands three times over the last five years, with an incredible $4,800 sale back in May 2019—where is my time machine?? As Ohtani continues his stellar career and potentially returns to pitching, this card could also break the $1M mark in the future.
3. 2018 Bowman Chrome Superfractor Autograph Pitching (Estimated Value: $400,000+)
The Bowman Chrome Superfractor Autograph Pitching card initially sold in September 2018 for $184,056, which was a jaw-dropping price at the time. Since then, it has not resurfaced for sale, but with the continued ascent of Ohtani’s career, its value has likely more than doubled. If this card were to be auctioned today, it would almost certainly shatter its original sale price.
4. 2018 Bowman Chrome Red Refractor Autograph (Estimated Value: $300,000 – 400,000)
This beautiful Bowman Chrome Red Refractor Auto is an Ohtani collector’s dream. Numbered to just 5, the card features a color match to the Angels’ red, adding even more appeal. It sold in May 2023 for $276,000, with CardLadder estimating its current value closer to $400,000, although I would anticipate it coming just behind the Sapphire Superfractor. Graded as a pop 2 in a PSA 9, with no higher grades, this is an extremely rare and valuable Ohtani rookie that would likely attract top bids if auctioned again.
5. 2018 Bowman Chrome Batting Superfractor (BGS 9.5) (Estimated Value: $250,000 – $360,000)
This Bowman Chrome Batting Superfractor is another high-value Ohtani rookie card, despite not being autographed. Though it hasn’t sold since April 2021, when it went for $41,500, CardLadder estimates it could fetch between $250,000 and $360,000 if it surfaced at auction today. With the iconic Bowman brand and its super-limited status, this card could potentially rival the Bowman Chrome Red Refractor if the right collector comes along.
6. 2018 Topps Chrome Pitching Superfractor (BGS 9.5) (Estimated Value: $220,000)
The Topps Chrome Pitching Superfractor is a beautiful yet relatively undervalued card of Ohtani’s pitching rookie. With a November 2022 sale at around $140,000, CardLadder places its value closer to $220,000. Surprisingly, all of Ohtani’s highest-value superfractors sold to date are encased in BGS slabs, despite the shifting preferences towards PSA, and this card remains a top prize among Ohtani’s rarest.
7. 2018 Bowman Chrome Orange Refractor Autograph (Estimated Value: $200,000)
This Bowman Chrome Orange Refractor Autograph, numbered to 25, recently sold in a BGS 9.5 (jersey #17/25) for $200,000. Given Ohtani is batting, along with its Bowman Chrome branding, it’s one of the sharpest-looking Ohtani rookies and is highly desirable for serious collectors of Ohtani rookie autographs.
8. 2018 Exquisite Collection Tribute Kanji Autograph (Estimated Value: $165,000)
This Exquisite Collection Tribute Kanji Autograph, numbered to 99, stands out for its unique signature in Kanji, giving it a distinct appeal among other Ohtani autographs. It sold for $144,000 in August 2024 in a BGS 9.5 but has since been valued at around $165,000. Despite the higher numbering, its rarity and cultural significance make it that much more amazing of a card.
9. 2018 Topps Chrome Red Refractor Autograph (Estimated Value: $125,000)
This Red Refractor Autograph, numbered to just 5, is a stunning card featuring a color match with the LA Angels’ colors. A PSA 10 version sold for $93k in October 2023, and CardLadder now estimates it around $125,000, making this a favorite among non-superfractor Ohtani cards.
10. 2018 Topps Transcendent Japan Platinum Autograph 1/1 (Value Reserved for High-End Collectors)
The 2018 Topps Transcendent Japan Platinum Autograph 1/1 is an extraordinary piece, released as part of the ultra-high-end Topps Transcendent Japan Collection, with boxes priced at $20,000. Each box contained rare collectibles and autographs inspired by Ohtani and Ichiro, and one person was lucky enough to pull this one-of-a-kind Ohtani Platinum Autograph. This card carries a massive price tag due to its exclusivity and rarity, appealing only to the most dedicated high-roller collectors in the hobby.
Conclusion
Shohei Ohtani’s rookie cards are a testament to his record-breaking career and status as a generational talent. From his superfractors to stunning color-matched refractors, each card captures a part of his journey to MLB superstardom. As he continues to build his legacy, these cards are likely to remain some of the most valuable in the hobby. Which Ohtani rookie card is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
Card images were provided by CardLadder.com.
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Corey Cottrell
Corey was the original founder of ShowZone.
