Shohei Ohtani Rookie Cards: What Are They Worth?

Shohei Ohtani is a Japanese professional baseball player who currently pitches and bats for the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).

In August of 2022, Shohei Ohtani became the first player in baseball history to reach the 10-win and 10-home run plateau since Babe Ruth did it in 1918. Ohtani's unique skillset has often drawn comparisons to Ruth, widely considered the greatest player of all time. In fact, Ohtani is nicknamed "the Babe Ruth of Japan." Another common nickname for Ohtani is "Shotime." Like Ruth, Ohtani is a rare two-way player who can dominate on the mound and at the plate.

While Ruth is best remembered for his exploits as a hitter, it was his pitching that first made him a star. During the World Series, he pitched a record-setting 29 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings.

Ohtani has already shown that he's capable of similar greatness.

In 2018, he won the American League Rookie of the Year Award.

Ohtani continued to pitch and hit for the Angels in 2019, although his season ended prematurely because of injury. He underwent Tommy John surgery during the season and missed most of 2020 due to further injury rehabilitation.

In 2021, Ohtani returned to form. He was named Most Valuable Player in the American League.

Ohtani is still just 28 years old (at the time of writing), so there's no telling how many more records he'll break in his career. But one thing is sure: baseball has never seen anything like Shohei Ohtani before, and it may never see anything like him again. He remains one of baseball's most intriguing players due to his rare two-way skillset.

Shohei Ohtani's Salary

Ohtani is under contract with the Los Angeles Angels. The $8,500,000 contract is for two years, giving him an annual average salary of $4,250,000.

What Year Was Ohtani a Rookie?

The first pick in the 2012 draft, Ohtani played for NPB's Fighters from 2013 through 2017 as both a pitcher and outfielder.

Most Valuable Shohei Ohtani Rookie Cards

Rookie cards can be worth a lot of money, especially if the player is popular or highly skilled. Ohtani is a unique player in that he has played both in Japan and the United States, so he effectively had two rookie seasons. Listed below are some of Shohei Ohtani's rookie cards:

2018 Diamond Kings Shohei Ohtani Rookie Card #73 ($61.62)

Diamond Kings produced a pair of Shohei Ohtani Rookie Cards (#73 and #76) as part of their base set. Both cards feature Ohtani either pitching or batting, and they're printed on canvas-style stock that gives them a unique look.

In addition, there are four different variations of each card, providing collectors with plenty of options to choose from. And if that's not enough, there are also a wide variety of parallel versions to collect.

The average 2022 price for a graded version of card #73 is $61.82.

2018 - Topps Bowman Chrome Base Standard Shohei Ohtani #1 ($417.14)

This card features Ohtani in a Los Angeles Angels uniform and has been praised for its sharp design and vibrant colors.

The average 2022 price for a graded version of this card is $417.14.

2018 Topps Update Base Standard Shohei Ohtani #US285 ($86.38)

The average 2022 price for a graded version of this card is $86.38.

2018 Topps Chrome Sapphire Edition Base Ruby Sapphire Parallel #'d/10 - Shohei Ohtani - #700 ($2990.50)

Among baseball cards, the 2018 Topps Chrome Sapphire Edition Base Ruby Sapphire Parallel RC #700 Shohei Ohtani is a highly coveted item. This is due to both the quality of the card and the impressive career trajectory of the player it features. 

The average 2022 price for this card is $2990.50.

2018 Panini Donruss Optic Rated Rookies Signatures Standard Shohei Ohtani #49 ($1528.05)

This card features Ohtani batting in a red Angels uniform.

The average 2022 price for a graded version of this card is $1528.05.

2014 Shohei Ohtani BBM 1st Version Art of Auto RC #WB1 ($2626.00)

Any serious collector of Shohei Ohtani cards knows that the 2014 Shohei Ohtani BBM 1st Version Art of Auto RC #WB1 is an essential part of any complete collection. As Ohtani's rookie card from when he played in Japan, this card is highly coveted by fans and collectors alike.

This card recently sold for $2626 at auction.

2018 Topps Heritage Base Action Variation Standard Shohei Ohtani #17 ($373.57)

This card features Ohtani in a white Angels uniform.

The average 2022 price for a graded version of this card is $373.57.

2018 Topps - Chrome Rookie Autographs Blue Refractor Parallel #'d/150 Shohei Ohtani #RA-SO ($6882.72)

The average 2022 price for a graded version of this card is $6882.72.

What is a Shohei Ohtani 2022 Card Worth?

2022 Topps Baseball Base Standard Shohei Ohtani #1 ($255)

The average 2022 price for a graded version of this card is $255.

How To Value Shohei Ohtani Rookie Cards

The highest price is for a graded card, which is generally considered to be the best possible condition for a baseball card. Meanwhile, the lowest price is for a raw card, which is an ungraded card that may or may not be in perfect condition.

When considering baseball cards as an investment, it's important to remember that supply and demand are key factors. Ultimately, the value of Shohei Ohtani cards will continue to fluctuate in the future as the demand for his cards increases or decreases.

The first step in determining the value of your Shohei Ohtani Rookie Cards is to take inventory of what you have. This includes making a note of the condition of the cards, as well as any unique features or characteristics.

The first step to finding out the value of your baseball card is to identify the manufacturer. This information is usually available on the back of the card. Once you know the manufacturer, you can begin to narrow down the year the card was printed. The year a card was printed is typically one year after the last year of recorded stats on the back of the card.

Additionally, it can be helpful to note the card number. If all else fails, you can try Googling years or the card number until you find a photo of your card that matches yours.

Once you have determined the year and manufacturer of your card, it is time to assess its condition. Honestly evaluate how well-preserved your card is. Is it pristine, or does it show wear and tear? The condition of your card will play a role in its value.

If you have a rare card in good condition, it will be worth more than a common card in poor condition. However, even a common card can be valuable to collectors if it's well-preserved.

Once you have a good idea of what you have, the next step is to do some research. Start by looking online to get an idea of what similar items have recently sold for. You can also check out auction sites, as well as local dealers or hobby shops. By getting a sense of the current market, you will be in a better position to determine the value of your own collection.

It is important to remember that the value of Shohei Ohtani Rookie Cards can fluctuate over time. By keeping up with trends in the market, you can maximize the value of your collection.

Are Baseball Cards a Good Investment?

Trading cards have a long and rich history, dating back to 1886 when Goodwin Tobacco first introduced a baseball card set. Since then, cards have been produced for all major U.S. sports leagues, becoming a popular collectible item.

Today, there are many different types of trading cards, from those that feature athletes to those that showcase popular television shows and movies. Whatever the focus, trading cards provide collectors with a fun and rewarding hobby. Not only do they offer a way to connect with favorite sports figures or characters, but they also provide an opportunity to build a valuable collection. 

For many people, the thrill of the hunt is part of the appeal, and the challenge of completing a set can be very addictive. Whether you are a casual collector or a hardcore enthusiast, trading cards offer something for everyone.

For collectors, one of the most exciting aspects of sports cards is the prospect of finding a card that has been autographed by the player. While autographed cards are not as common as they once were, they can still be found on occasion, and they can be quite valuable.

Players began signing their cards in the 1970s, and the practice quickly caught on. The autograph industry exploded the value of cards for highly sought-after players. Today, collectors still keep an eye out for autographed cards and are willing to pay a premium for them. While they may not be as easy to find as they once were, autographed cards are still highly coveted by collectors.

According to a 2021 report from eBay, U.S. trading card transactions on the company's platform surged 142% in 2020, and eBay predicts that new investors will continue to flock to sports cards as a diversified addition to their portfolios. But is sports card investing a good place to put your money today?

There are a few things to consider before jumping into the sports card market:

1. It's important to remember that sports cards are a speculative asset, which means they can be subject to sudden and significant changes in value.
2. The sports card market is still relatively nascent, so there is not much regulatory oversight.
3. Sports cards are illiquid, making them difficult to sell quickly or at a fair price.

With all of that said, there are still reasons to believe that sports cards can be a good investment. For one thing, the popularity of collecting has only increased in recent years, thanks in part to the rise of social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube. And as more and more people become interested in collecting, the demand for rare and valuable cards is likely to increase as well.

So if you're thinking about investing in sports cards, do your research and proceed with caution. But don't be discouraged—with a little bit of knowledge and some careful planning, you could turn your hobby into a profitable endeavor.

Who is CSG?

Collecting sports cards can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it's hard to know which cards are worth collecting and how to get the most value from them. It can also be difficult to sell them. If you're not an expert yourself, it's tough to know who you can trust when it comes time to grading and authenticating your cards.

Certified Sports Guaranty (CSG) is the perfect solution for collectors and dealers of sports cards. We offer fast, accurate certification services with the industry's strongest guarantee. Plus, as a CSG member, you'll receive access to exclusive news and information about the latest trends in the sports card market. You'll also enjoy discounts on all our products and services.

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