Top 10 Shohei Ohtani Rookie Cards to Buy in 2025 (With Prices & PSA Data)

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Few players in baseball history have electrified the hobby quite like Shohei Ohtani. As a once-in-a-generation two-way superstar, Ohtani has reshaped how collectors view modern baseball cards.

His rookie cards generate strong demand, from high-end graded parallels to more affordable flagship options.

This guide breaks down the top 10 Ohtani rookie cards, covering a mix of premium and entry-level options. We’ve included current PSA 10 population data, recent sales prices, and collector insights to help you find the best Shohei Ohtani cards to buy, hold, or flip in 2025 and beyond.

🏆 Top 10 Shohei Ohtani Rookie Cards to Buy (With PSA Pop & Prices)

Rank	Card	PSA 10 Population	Recent PSA 10 Sale Price
1	2018 Bowman Chrome Rookie Auto	47	$15,000
2	2018 Topps Heritage Red Ink Auto	2	$11,000 (PSA 9)
3	2018 Topps Chrome Rookie Autograph	48	$5000
4	2018 Topps Heritage Black Refractor	19	$5300 (PSA 9)
5	2013 BBM HISTORIC COLLECTION 2014 BRILLIANT TEENAGERS Pink Foil	2	$6,000
6	2013 BBM 1st Version #183	356	$2500
7	2017 BOWMAN MEGA BOX CHROME PROSPECTS	1,448	$1600
8	2018 Bowman Chrome Batting Rookie #1	4,576	$1200
9	2018 Topps Chrome Pitching Rookie #150	14,082	$200
10	2018 Topps Update Rookie #US1	14,870	$130

Note: PSA population figures and sale prices are approximate and subject to change.

1. 2018 Bowman Chrome Rookie Autographs RC 

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $15,000–$18,000
Notable Parallels: Orange Refractor /25, Red /5, Superfractor 1/1
PSA 10 Pop: Check Latest Pop Report

Ohtani’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Rookie Auto is the undisputed king of his rookie cards. As his first licensed autograph card in a MLB uniform, it was the major chase in 2018 Bowman Baseball — a release that ignited modern prospecting and ushered in the concept of card “bounties.”

💥 Superfractor Story

Shortly after release, collectors were buzzing about Ohtani’s 1/1 Superfractor Auto — the holy grail of the set. The card was pulled from a $125 hobby box, graded BGS 9.5 with a 10 auto, and sold for $184,000 at auction… all while Ohtani was recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Imagine the price if it surfaced today? Some believe it could push seven figures.

Even rarer colored parallels have fetched six figures. An Orange Refractor /25 sold for $145,000 in 2021 during Ohtani’s MVP-level season.

💬 Why It Matters

• Most iconic Ohtani rookie auto
• Limited print run with color parallels
• Hobby relevance: still one of the most traded and discussed Ohtani rookies

The base version of this card still commands significant value, with PSA 10 examples selling in the $15,000–$18,000 range.

📈 Investment Outlook

This card is the blue-chip investment for Ohtani collectors. It has a proven track record, strong resale demand, and long-term relevance. While current prices have cooled from the 2021 boom, they remain far above pre-pandemic levels, making this a cornerstone piece for serious collectors with a long-term outlook.

2. 2018 Topps Heritage Red Ink Auto Real-One Red Ink /69 #SO

Estimated PSA 9 Value: ~$12,000
Print Run: Limited to 69 copies
PSA 10 Pop: View PSA Population
Parallel: Red Ink On-Card Autograph

Ohtani’s 2018 Topps Heritage Red Ink Auto is one of the hobby’s most beloved modern throwback cards. The card is styled after the 1969 Topps Baseball set, complete with a retro font, white borders, and a bold red autograph that pops against the vintage design.

With only 69 hand-numbered copies, this is one of the scarcer autographs among Ohtani’s early rookie issues. The combination of nostalgic aesthetics and a limited, on-card signature has made it a collector favorite.

🔥 Collector Appeal

• Limited to just 69 signed copies
• On-card signature with bold red ink
• Part of the popular Topps Heritage Red Ink tradition
• Clean, timeless design modeled after the 1969 set

📈 Investment Outlook

As far as Topps-branded Ohtani autos, this is easily a top-tier investment. It’s far rarer than most base or Chrome autograph issues, and its status in the Heritage line gives it added prestige. Recent auction sales have hovered around $16,000, but prices continue to climb due to limited supply and increased collector interest.

If you’re looking for low-pop, on-card Ohtani ink, this is a grail-worthy target with substantial long-term upside.

3. 2018 Topps Chrome Rookie Autograph #RA-SO

Estimated Value: ~$9,500 (PSA 10)
Print Run: Not numbered (Base Auto); Refractor Parallels Available
PSA 10 Pop: 48 out of 81 graded
Type: On-card Autograph

The 2018 Topps Chrome Rookie Auto is one of the flagship Shohei Ohtani autograph cards from his rookie season. True to Topps Chrome tradition, this card features a crisp on-card signature and is printed on glossy chromium stock.

Collectors also chase the various parallel refractor versions, ranging from base refractors to low-numbered color versions like Gold (/50), Orange (/25), and Red (/5).

🔍 Notable Highlights:

• Clean design with on-card auto
• Base auto is unnumbered but relatively low in PSA population
• Highly regarded in the Topps Chrome rookie auto lineup

📈 Investment Insight:

Despite being a non-serial-numbered base auto, this card is surprisingly low pop, with just 81 total graded copies and only 48 PSA 10s. That makes finding a Gem-Mint copy extremely tough.

Recent sales show:

• Ungraded: ~$4,000
• PSA 10: ~$5,800

For collectors who want a Topps-branded Ohtani rookie auto with long-term appeal and upside, this card is one of the cleanest and most collectible options outside the Bowman Chrome line.

4. 2018 Topps Heritage Black Refractor /69 #600

Estimated Value: ~$5,300 (PSA 9)
Print Run: 69
PSA 10 Pop: 19
Type: Base Parallel (Non-Auto)

The 2018 Topps Heritage Black Refractor rookie card of Shohei Ohtani is a true short-print gem, limited to just 69 copies. Modeled after the 1969 Topps Baseball design, this card blends vintage aesthetics with modern scarcity.

The black refractor finish adds a sleek, premium look and makes condition sensitivity a real factor. Only 18 PSA 10s exist, making high-grade copies exceptionally difficult to secure.

🔍 Notable Highlights:

• Heritage design + modern refractor rarity
• One of the lowest serial-numbered Ohtani base rookie parallels
• Often overlooked in favor of autos, but now gaining traction

📈 Investment Insight:

This is one of Ohtani’s most underrated serial-numbered rookies, offering scarcity without the autograph premium. With just 19 PSA 10s, demand continues to outpace supply. It’s a strong mid- to long-term hold for collectors focused on rarity and brand recognition.

5. 2013-14 BBM Historic Collection Brilliant Teens Pink Facsimile Auto /50 #108

Estimated Value: ~$6,000 (PSA 10)
Print Run: 50
PSA 10 Pop: 2
Type: Japan Issue / Facsimile Auto

Before Shohei Ohtani made headlines in the MLB, he was already dazzling fans in Japan. This 2013-14 issue from BBM (a Japanese card manufacturer) captures a teenage Ohtani in his early pitching days — a must-have for collectors who appreciate his international legacy.

Limited to just 50 copies, the Pink Facsimile Auto parallel is among the scarcest early issues. While the autograph is printed (not hand-signed), its striking design and limited production make it one of the most sought-after BBM cards.

In June 2023, a PSA 10 copy sold for $6,075, and only two PSA 10s exist worldwide.

🔍 Notable Highlights:

• Issued before Ohtani joined MLB
• An iconic card for international and BBM collectors
• Incredibly scarce in high-grade condition

📈 Investment Insight:

While BBM cards don’t always command the same respect as Topps or Bowman in the U.S., their rarity and cultural importance make them powerful long-term plays. With a pop of just two PSA 10s, this card is an elite-level Ohtani piece that few will ever own.

6. 2013 BBM 1st Version #183

Estimated Value: ~$2,350 (PSA 10)
PSA 10 Pop: 356
Type: Japanese Rookie Card (BBM)

This is the cornerstone BBM rookie card for Shohei Ohtani. Released in 2013, BBM’s 1st Version card #183 marks Ohtani’s official debut in the Japanese trading card world — and has since become the most recognized Japanese rookie card of “The Unicorn.”

While it doesn’t feature an autograph or serial number, the card’s historical significance and clean design have made it a favorite among collectors, especially those who appreciate Ohtani’s roots in NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball).

In recent auctions, PSA 10 copies have sold for around $2,350, with 356 copies graded Gem Mint.

🔍 Notable Highlights:

• Considered the flagship BBM rookie card of Ohtani
• The card was issued during a family event at Kamagaya Stadium, which is home to the Kamagaya Fighters
• Strong collector demand in both Japan and the U.S.
• Clean design with classic BBM aesthetics

📈 Investment Insight:

With rising global demand for Ohtani cards, this BBM rookie bridges the gap between Japanese baseball history and MLB superstardom. As Ohtani’s legacy grows, demand for his first true rookie card is likely to grow alongside it, especially in high grade.

7. 2017 Bowman Mega Box Chrome Prospects WBC #BCP31

Estimated Value: ~$1,600 (PSA 10)
PSA 10 Pop: 1448
Type: First U.S.-Released Bowman Chrome Card (WBC Edition)

Shohei Ohtani’s first Bowman Chrome card debuted in 2017 during the World Baseball Classic (WBC) before officially joining MLB. It was featured in the 2017 Bowman Mega Box set — a retail-exclusive product sold at stores like Target and Walmart.

The card has several serial-numbered refractor parallels:

• Purple /250
• Green /99
• Orange /25
• Black 1/1

A fun collector’s detail: Ohtani’s name is misspelled as “Otani” on the card front — an uncorrected error that adds to its uniqueness.

When it was first released, this was the only major U.S. card of Ohtani, and it became a hobby favorite when Ohtani signed with the Angels in late 2017.

While values dipped in 2018 as licensed rookie cards arrived, this card has since rebounded strongly. PSA 10 copies now sell for over $2,000, up significantly from sub-$100 ungraded prices in the early years.

🔍 Notable Highlights:

• The first Bowman Chrome card of Ohtani released in the U.S.
• Features WBC uniform and uncorrected “Otani” error
• Popular refractor parallels with strong collector demand

📈 Investment Insight:

This card holds a special place in Ohtani’s collecting history. It’s not his true MLB rookie, but its early release, limited availability, and cult following make it a standout piece — especially for investors seeking long-term growth and historical significance.

8. 2018 Bowman Chrome Batting Rookie #1

Estimated Value: ~$1,200 (PSA 10)
PSA 10 Pop: 4,576
Type: Base Chrome Rookie (Batting Pose)

The 2018 Bowman Chrome Batting Rookie card marks Ohtani’s first official Bowman Chrome rookie card in a batting pose, adding a unique angle to his two-way superstar appeal.

Compared to other Ohtani base rookies, this card is a bit lower in the PSA 10 population, which makes it an appealing mid-range target for collectors looking for relative scarcity and upside.

In early 2023, PSA 10 copies could be found for around $500, but rising demand has pushed values to $1,000+ of late.

🔁 Refractor & Parallel Versions

For collectors seeking premium alternatives, the Refractor version (/499) and colored parallels are highly desirable:

• Purple Refractor /250
• Blue Refractor /150
• Green Refractor /99
• Gold Refractor /50
• Orange Refractor /25
• Red Refractor /5
• SuperFractor 1/1

🔍 A PSA 10 Refractor (/499) recently sold for over $5,000, and sales of rarer parallels can reach even higher.

📈 Investment Insight:

This card offers a compelling balance of affordability, rarity, and upward potential. With lower PSA population numbers than Topps Chrome or Update rookies, it’s a smart alternative play for collectors who want a flagship Chrome rookie card that isn’t as widely held.

9. 2018 Topps Chrome Pitching Rookie #150

PSA 10 Value: ~$200
PSA 10 Population: 14,000+
Type: Base Chrome Rookie (Pitching Pose)

The 2018 Topps Chrome Pitching Rookie (#1) is Ohtani’s most recognizable and widely collected base rookie card. It holds official PSA Registry status and is expected to be his PSA Hall of Fame Rookie Card should his career end with Cooperstown honors.

When Ohtani won the AL Rookie of the Year in 2018, this card became a cornerstone rookie issue for the modern hobby.

Just a year ago, PSA 10 examples were selling for around $100; today, they’re trading between $275 and $300.

🔁 Parallel Versions

This card comes with a long list of parallels, ranging from common to ultra-rare:

Retail & Blaster Parallels (Unknown Print Runs):

• Refractor
• X-Fractor (Mega Box)
• Prism Refractor
• Sepia (Blaster exclusive)
• Pink (Value Packs)
• Negative

Numbered Parallels (Known Print Runs):

• Purple /299
• Blue /150
• Green /99
• Green Wave /99 (Hobby/Jumbo)
• Blue Wave /75 (Hobby/Jumbo)
• Gold /50
• Gold Wave /50 (Hobby/Jumbo)
• Orange /25 (Hobby only)
• Red /5
• Red Wave /5 (Hobby/Jumbo)
• SuperFractor 1/1
• Printing Plates 1/1 (4 color versions)

✅ Refractor Variant Insight:
The standard Refractor PSA 10 has seen strong gains—once priced around $500–$600, it is now routinely selling for over $1,000. But be mindful: 1,200+ PSA 10s exist out of over 1,700 graded, tempering its long-term rarity.

💡 Investment Insight

While this card isn’t scarce, it offers high demand, strong resale liquidity, and excellent long-term significance. For new or budget-conscious collectors, the Topps Chrome PSA 10 rookie is a safe and smart entry point into Ohtani investing.

10. 2018 Topps Update Shohei Ohtani Rookie #US1 (Pitching in Red Jersey)

PSA 10 Value: ~$175–$200
PSA 10 Population: 20,826
Type: Flagship Topps Rookie (Pitching Pose)

The 2018 Topps Update #US1 is Ohtani’s most popular flagship Topps base rookie card, showcasing him in a red jersey during his pitching motion for the Los Angeles Angels.

For a time, this was considered Ohtani collectors’ go-to base rookie card. Its wide availability and clean Topps design made it the hobby’s favorite, especially among casual collectors and PSA Registry chasers.

During the pandemic boom, however, collector preference shifted toward Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome autographs, which were viewed as more premium options. As a result, the Update card cooled slightly — but it still holds strong popularity due to its accessibility.

📈 Market Insight

At the start of the 2023 season, PSA 10 copies of this card could be found for under $100. By 2024, the card rebounded and now regularly sells for $175–$200 in Gem Mint condition.

With a large PSA 10 population of over 20,000, it isn’t rare, but it remains one of the most budget-friendly and widely collected Ohtani rookies on the market.

💡 Investment Insight

While not a scarcity play, the Topps Update #US1 rookie offers a strong foundation piece for any Ohtani PC (personal collection). Its price floor appears stable, and it remains a highly liquid card with consistent demand on platforms like eBay.

This card remains an ideal choice for collectors seeking entry-level exposure to one of baseball’s most electric talents.

What Is The Rarest Shohei Ohtani Rookie Card?

Ohtani has multiple 1/1 Superfractor rookie cards across both Topps and Bowman products, including the iconic 2018 Bowman Chrome Rookie Autograph Superfractor. Each card is unique, meaning only one copy exists.

Because of this, there isn’t a single “rarest” card — instead, several ultra-rare 1/1 parallels top the rarity chart. Any of these Superfractors or Printing Plate Autographs are considered grail-level Ohtani rookies.

💰 Should You Invest in Shohei Ohtani Rookie Cards?

Shohei Ohtani is a legitimate two-way superstar, one of baseball’s most dynamic and historic athletes. He’s already won multiple MVP awards, and his combination of pitching and hitting dominance is unmatched.

But Ohtani also carries injury risk, as seen with his Tommy John surgery in 2018 and his recent elbow issue in 2023. These injuries remind us how fragile investing in active players can be.

Should you invest? Yes — but with caution and diversification. Don’t go all-in, but holding a few key rookie cards — especially lower pop or autograph issues — could pay off over the long haul if he continues his HOF trajectory.

🏆 What Is the Most Valuable Shohei Ohtani Rookie Card?

The most valuable Ohtani rookie cards are his 1-of-1 Bowman Chrome or Topps Chrome Superfractor Autographs.

Because they are unique and rarely come up for sale, it’s hard to assign an exact value. But based on past sales and market trends, seven-figure prices ($1 million+) are possible — especially for the following:

• 2018 Bowman Chrome Rookie Autograph Superfractor 1/1
• 2018 Topps Chrome Rookie Autograph Superfractor 1/1 #RA-SO
• 2018 Bowman Chrome Orange or Gold Auto Parallels (/25, /50)

These are true grails and crown jewels for elite Ohtani collectors and investors.

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🧠 Final Thoughts: Are Ohtani Rookie Cards Still a Buy?

Shohei Ohtani continues to redefine what’s possible on a baseball field. With another MVP season, a massive free agent deal (now with the Dodgers), and more records ahead, the long-term case for investing in his rookie cards remains strong.

Much hype is already priced in, especially for base rookies and high-pop PSA 10s.

If you’re looking to invest:

✅ Focus on low-population cards, autographs, and serial-numbered parallels
✅ Stay patient and buy during dips or offseason lulls
✅ Avoid overpaying during peak hype cycles

In short, Ohtani has the tools, resume, and story to become an all-time great — and his rookie cards will likely follow suit.

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