Ultimate Shohei Ohtani Rookie Cards Checklist and Gallery
The massive interest in Shohei Ohtani rookie cards is indicative of the potential many see in the Japanese player. Dubbed "the Babe Ruth of Japan," the two-way standout can pitch and hit at a high level. As a result, collecting demand is strong for the Los Angeles Dodgers star, even with his injury troubles.
Following a terrific rookie season in 2018, interest in Shohei Ohtani rookie cards again surged in 2021 and 2023 when Ohtani took home the AL MVP.
Shohei Ohtani Japanese Baseball Cards
Because his pro career began in the Japanese leagues with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, the earliest Shohei Ohtani cards can be somewhat elusive. Starting in 2013, options include popular brands from Japan, most notably BBM and Calbee. While there are quite a few choices, and even some autographs, most of the cards are pretty basic and not in huge supply. However, the rarest cards command huge sums when they surface.
As the likelihood of his move to an MLB team increased, more mainstream options began to trickle out. First came his 2017 Bowman Mega Box Chrome card. His earliest MLB card debuted through the Topps Now program near the end of 2017, setting records along the way.
2018 Shohei Ohtani Rookie Cards
All that leads us to 2018 baseball sets, which feature many Shohei Ohtani rookie cards. Although Panini offers MLBPA rookie cards for Ohtani, only Topps has his MLB cards. In addition, Topps confirmed a long-term autograph and trading card deal that starts with 2018 Topps Baseball products.
See our real-time list of the most-watched Shohei Ohtani cards.
Shohei Ohtani Rookie Cards and Other Key Cards
Shop specific cards on eBay using the links below. Bolded sets go to complete product profiles or card guides.
2018 Bowman Shohei Ohtani RC #49
Sure, Shohei Ohtani has a base rookie in 2018 Bowman along with some paper parallels, but most collectors are focused on his hard-signed Ohtani Chrome rookie autograph and the many parallels, including the one-of-one SuperFractor shown below.
2018 Bowman Chrome Shohei Ohtani RC #1
Adding to his pitching card photo in Bowman, Ohtani switches to hitting for the 2018 Bowman Chrome rookie. He also has an on-card autograph with Refractor parallels, plus a base image variation and an autograph to track down.
2018 Bowman Chrome National Convention Shohei Ohtani RC #BNR-SO
NSCC 2018 offered a lot to collectors, and that includes exclusive Shohei Ohtani rookie cards. The 2018 Bowman Chrome National Convention set contains a base Ohtani card and an autograph with only six copies.
2018 Bowman Mega Box Shohei Ohtani RC
Ohtani is not in the base set or main autograph set for the Target-only 2018 Bowman Mega Box Chrome, but he does have a ROY Favorites insert with the mojo pattern. But that's not all as Topps later revealed limited Chrome rookie autograph options. These are good for the base signed versions found in 2018 Bowman.
2018 Bowman High Tek Shohei Ohtani RC #RHT-SO
Found among the rookie selection in the 2018 Bowman High Tek base set, this Shohei Ohtani rookie card comes in 10 different background patterns with varying rarity. He has an on-card autograph, as well.
2018 Bowman Platinum Shohei Ohtani RC #34
Exclusive to Walmart, the swirly 2018 Bowman Platinum is filled with Ohtani. In addition to his base card and SSP variation, he has several parallels, a Platinum Patches relic card, and he is part of the Rookie Revelations insert where he also has a signed version.
Ohtani has a card in the Platinum Rookie Auto Pieces insert, as well.
2018 Bowman Topps Holiday Shohei Ohtani RC #TH-SO
The Hobby shop-exclusive Topps Holiday promo offers another Bowman rookie card for Ohtani. The 2018 Bowman Topps Holiday set features unique parallels like Green Festive (#/99), White Snow (#/50), Turkey (#/35), Red Festive (#/10), and Gold Festive (1/1), plus a signed version numbered to only five copies.
2018 Bowman's Best Shohei Ohtani RC #1
With 2018 Bowman's Best Baseball, collectors can find a base card and an on-card autograph for Ohtani. Refractor parallels add more to chase.
2018 Donruss Shohei Ohtani Autographs
Although Ohtani has no base rookie cards in 2018 Donruss Baseball, he has several different autographs. This includes on-card Private Signings, Rated Prospect Signatures, and Signing Day Signatures versions, each numbered to 50 copies. He also signed for Signature Series and Promising Pros Materials Signatures. Those not looking for autographs can find Ohtani in most of the inserts, as well.
2018 Donruss Optic Shohei Ohtani RC #56
If you want an Ohtani base card with the Donruss style, there's 2018 Donruss Optic. The chromium set offers a primary Rated Rookie card (batting), plus running and pitching variations, and several on-card autographs that see very strong values despite lacking MLB logos.
2018 Diamond Kings Shohei Ohtani RC #73 Pitching, #76 Batting, #145 SP
Fairly unique compared to the rest of his cards, the Ohtani rookie cards in 2018 Diamond Kings display an art-like view of the young phenom. Showcasing both his pitching (#73) and hitting (#76) prowess, Ohtani has two base cards and an additional four SP variations for each version. That means 10 different cards if you want them all, plus the high-number short print (#145), and that doesn't include the many parallels, inserts or autographs, which add up to even more options to chase.
2018 Immaculate Collection Shohei Ohtani RC #37 Auto Patch #/99
Loaded with Ohtani rookie autographs, the most popular option and main RC choice in 2018 Immaculate is part of the base RPA subset. The high-end release includes an on-card signature and small jersey piece. Ohtani also signed for multiple insert lines in Immaculate Collection.
2018 National Treasures Shohei Ohtani RC #48 Autograph Relic #/99
2018 National Treasures has several Ohtani cards of note, but his Rookie Material Signatures card is the heavy favorite. The premium design, on-card signature and medium swatch make for a strong MLBPA offering.
2018 Panini Chronicles Shohei Ohtani RC #1
Shohei Ohtani has a ton of rookie cards, inserts and autographs in the Panini brand mashup 2018 Chronicles. If you want design variety, there is no better option. Just a few of the choices are shown below in addition to his base Chronicles RC.
2018 Panini Flawless Shohei Ohtani RC #3 Base Diamond #/20
With boxes selling for thousands, 2018 Flawless is home to one of the most expensive Shohei Ohtani rookie cards. He has a base gem and image variation with the same exact parallels and print runs, as well as several on-card autographs and high-end relic cards.
2018 Topps Baseball Factory Team Set Shohei Ohtani RC #A-17
Because Topps did not include Ohtani in Series 1, the natural assumption was that collectors had to wait until Series 2 for the first flagship-style rookie. However, Ohtani is part of the 2018 Topps Baseball Factory Team set for the Angels. Each blister pack features all 17 cards for the team, including Trout and Pujols.
2018 Topps Series 2 Baseball Shohei Ohtani RC #700
Collectors can find the pack-pulled flagship rookie for Shohei Ohtani in 2018 Series 2. Likely to be his mainstream card of choice for many, the basic RC option shows him pitching in his all-white uniform. Those with deeper pockets can look into the signed inserts such as Instant Impact and Topps Salute. Most appealing is the hard-signed 1983 card.
Ohtani also has an SP variation image taking batting practice, and a very tough SSP variation that shows him with his hand on top of his head.
There is a miniature base version, as well.
Still not done, Topps added another flagship variation for Ohtani as a bonus in the factory retail version of 2018 Topps Complete Set.
A special Walmart factory set has a Chrome rookie variation and Refractor parallels.
2018 Topps Update Series Shohei Ohtani RC #US1
Despite being in Series 2, the third flagship MLB set, a.k.a. 2018 Topps Update Series, has a Shohei Ohtani rookie in the base set, as well. Ohtani cards are plentiful in Update Series, including three base image variations and multiple inserts. He has 1983 autographs and Salute autographs to go with the variation autographs.
2018 Topps Chrome Update Series Shohei Ohtani RC #HMT1
The chromium version of Update, 2018 Topps Chrome Update Series supplies another Ohtani rookie in the flagship design. The Target-only release includes limited autographs for Ohtani.
2018 Topps Baseball Silver Pack 1983 Chrome Shohei Ohtani RC #51 / #145
The promo set issued alongside flagship Topps MLB, 2018 Topps Baseball Silver Pack 1983 Chrome includes two different Ohtani base cards and autographed versions for each. The first came in the Series 2 packs and the second card is found in Update Series packs.
2018 Topps Allen & Ginter Shohei Ohtani RC #100
If you prefer your designs a little more ornate but still want an affordable price, check out 2018 Allen & Ginter. Ohtani has a base card, various full-size and mini parallels, an exclusive mini (#352) only found in the Rip cards, and a hard-signed Framed Mini Autograph.
In addition, the 2018 Allen & Ginter X set is an online-only release that adds black to the main A&G design. These have mini parallels, as well, plus a black version of the autograph with a silver signature.
2018 Topps Archives Shohei Ohtani RC #50
Although 2018 Archives uses multiple designs from Topps' past, the Ohtani card works with the 1959 design. He also has an image variation that shows him swinging. His Fan Favorites Autograph card, which uses the 1971 design, is a redemption.
2018 Topps Archives Snapshots Shohei Ohtani RC #AS-SO
Sold directly by Topps at their online store, 2018 Archives Snapshots is a simple set with only base cards, on-card autographs and a few parallels, including the black-and-white version shown below. His signed card is issued as a redemption.
2018 Topps Big League Shohei Ohtani RC #141
Part of an inexpensive release making its MLB debut, the 2018 Topps Big League Shohei Ohtani rookie card is simple and attractive. Despite being kid-focused, lucky collectors can still find an Ohtani signature in the Rookie Republic autograph insert.
2018 Topps Brooklyn Collection Shohei Ohtani RC #BC-SO Autograph
Exclusive to Topps 582 Montgomery Club members, the high-end 2018 Brooklyn Collection Baseball has two different Shohei Ohtani rookie cards that are each hard-signed and numbered to 25 copies.
2018 Topps Clearly Authentic Shohei Ohtani RC #CAA-SO Autograph
2018 Clearly Authentic offers an Ohtani rookie featuring the flagship design, printed on acetate. Although it was issued as a redemption, it has an on-card signature.
2018 Topps Chrome Shohei Ohtani RC #150
The Ohtani base rookie in 2018 Topps Chrome is one of his most popular low-budget options. But collectors can also chase the many Refractors or the Refractor variation with Ohtani running out the dugout. In addition, those with deep pockets have an on-card rookie autograph to track down.
2018 Topps Chrome Sapphire Shohei Ohtani RC #700
And he has a base card and on-card autograph in the online-only 2018 Topps Chrome Sapphire.
2018 Topps Definitive Collection Shohei Ohtani RC Autographs
One of the more expensive sets each season, collectors have two different Ohtani rookie autographs to hunt down in 2018 Topps Definitive Collection. That includes a metal-framed autograph and the main rookie autograph card. However, both are redemptions.
2018 Topps Diamond Icons Shohei Ohtani RC Autographs
As one of the priciest sets with Ohtani rookie autographs, 2018 Diamond Icons is not for the average collector. Limited to 25 copies or less, all versions come as redemptions.
2018 Topps Dynasty Shohei Ohtani RC #AP-SO Autograph Patch #/10
The Shohei Ohtani rookie autograph in 2018 Dynasty Baseball comes in five different versions. Hard-signed and sporting a moderate patch, all five encased Ohtani cards are numbered to 10 copies, so that's really 50 in total for the overall run.
2018 Topps Finest Shohei Ohtani RC #100
2018 Finest has both a base rookie and base on-card RC autograph for Ohtani. These both show the same image of the rookie phenom batting in a white Angels jersey. Ohtani is also in the Finest Firsts insert as a pitcher wearing red.
2018 Topps Fire Shohei Ohtani RC #150
While not for everyone, the Tyson Beck-designed 2018 Topps Fire has a lot of fans. Ohtani has several wild looks in the Target release, including the colorful base rookie.
2018 Topps Five Star Shohei Ohtani RC #FSA-SO Autograph
Another redemption signature for Ohtani came in 2018 Five Star. The hard-signed rookie autograph is more of a premium choice for collectors. Ohtani has a base version and is part of the Golden Graphs and Silver Signatures inserts.
2018 Topps Gallery Shohei Ohtani RC #116
Drawn by Mayumi Seto of Living Set Baseball fame, the base RC for Ohtani in 2018 Gallery Baseball displays a posed portrait shot for the phenom. There is also a sticker autograph version.
2018 Topps Gold Label Shohei Ohtani RC #17 (3 versions)
Featuring three different base versions, 2018 Gold Label has Class 1 (batting), Class 2 (pitching) and Class 3 (running) cards, each with a different image for Ohtani. Not making collectors wait, his on-card framed autograph is live in boxes.
2018 Topps Gypsy Queen Shohei Ohtani RC #89
If you like the retro style, 2018 Gypsy Queen features an appealing Shohei Ohtani rookie card. Those looking for a challenge can try to track down the various parallels, including Green (Retail), Missing Nameplate, Indigo #/250, GQ Logo Swap, Bazooka Back, Black & White #/50 (Hobby), Red #/10, and Black 1/1.
Ohtani is also in the autograph set with many of the same parallels.
2018 Topps Heritage Shohei Ohtani Rookie Variation #17
The first pack-pulled Shohei Ohtani RC card is likely to remain a popular choice for collectors. Issued as a Hobby-only short print in 2018 Topps Heritage Baseball, Ohtani is part of the 25-card Action Image variation lineup which averages 1:35 packs. This may not sound all that rare, but it works out to around 1:3 cases for Ohtani.
He also has an on-card signature in the Real One Autographs checklist, including the red ink Special Edition that is hand-numbered to 69 copies.
2018 Topps Heritage High Number Shohei Ohtani RC #600
Adding to his base Heritage rookie, the 2018 Heritage High Number card for Ohtani comes in several forms. In fact, he has an action, color, error, nickname and trade variation, plus a Chrome version. The on-card Real One autograph is also quite popular.
2018 Topps High Tek Shohei Ohtani RC #HT-SO
Relying on the belief that you can't have too much of a good thing, 2018 Topps High Tek gives Ohtani fans four different background patterns using the main image. He also a multiple parallels, a black-and-white variation and on-card autographs.
2018 Topps Holiday Shohei Ohtani RC #HMW17
Yet another take on the flagship MLB design, 2018 Topps Holiday Baseball stands out with the seasonal snowflake finish. The Walmart-exclusive set also has a rare sticker autograph edition.
2018 Topps Inception Shohei Ohtani RC Autograph Patch
Although not part of the base set or rookie autographs, Ohtani has two different autograph patch cards in 2018 Topps Inception.
2018 Topps Living Set Shohei Ohtani RC #7 (PR=20,966)
Part of a never-ending set, the print-to-order card is sold directly by Topps' online store for just one week, selling nearly 21K copies. Topps Living Set uses the 1953 design plus images from Mayumi Seto. Ohtani came early in the run, releasing in week three alongside Russell Martin and Jackie Bradley Jr.
2018 Topps Luminaries Shohei Ohtani RC Autographs
2018 Luminaries is another expensive brand. While there isn't a base set, Ohtani is in the Hit Kings, Home Run Kings and Master of Mound autograph lines. These all originally came as redemptions.
2018 Topps Museum Collection Shohei Ohtani RC #100
If you are searching for a premium base rookie for Ohtani, 2018 Museum Collection might be right up your alley. The appealing design gives way to a few parallel versions. Ohtani also has two different options in the Canvas Collection insert, plus redemptions in Archival Autographs and Museum Framed Autographs.
2018 Topps National Baseball Card Day Shohei Ohtani RC #10
Found in an incentive set aimed at getting collectors to visit their local shops, the 2018 NBCD card was issued to many collectors via a free pack. Ohtani also has a signed card limited to just five copies.
2018 Topps New Era Shohei Ohtani RC #10
Part of a very limited promo, 2018 Topps New Era cards were issued at just a handful of MLB ballparks. Borrowing the flagship design once more, the Ohtani rookie card has a close-up image that perfectly shows his New Era cap.
2018 Topps Now Shohei Ohtani RC #ST-4 (PR=11,384)
The earliest RC card for Shohei Ohtani was issued via the Spring Training offshoot for 2018 Topps Now Baseball. It notes his pitching debut for the Angels on February 24, 2018. A hitting version came two days later, ultimately selling 6,842 cards.
2018 Topps Opening Day Shohei Ohtani RC #200
2018 Topps Opening Day has the distinction of being the first Shohei Ohtani rookie issued as an RC in a traditional base set. The low-cost nature of the product and large supply keeps value in check but many will still remember it as the first.
2018 Topps Stadium Club Shohei Ohtani RC #138
2018 Topps Stadium Club is loaded with Shohei Ohtani rookie cards. Found in multiple inserts as well as the base set, the photo-driven TSC features a short-printed Ohtani image variation in TSC that shows him pitching. He also has several signed options.
2018 Topps Tier One Shohei Ohtani RC Autograph #BA-SO Redemption
Found as a redemption, the hit-only 2018 Tier 1 has a single Shohei Ohtani rookie card, and it's an on-card autograph in the Break Out set. Now live, the hard-signed base version, numbered to 45, adds even more limited Bronze Ink, Silver Ink and Gold Ink versions.
2018 Topps Transcendent Collection Shohei Ohtani RC #10 #/83
The most expensive product home to a Shoehi Ohtani rookie card is 2018 Transcendent Collection Baseball. The framed base card has 83 copies and there are also hard-signed autographs.
If it seems like there are too many Ohtani cards from Transcendent, that's because a separate Japanese version of the super-premium brand covers Ohtani and Ichiro exclusively. These base rookie cards are numbered to 50 copies apiece with 30 different choices for Ohtani.
2018 Topps Tribute Shohei Ohtani Autograph #TA-SO Redemption
Another instance where Ohtani has no base rookie, he is included in the main autograph set for 2018 Tribute. Issued as a Tribute Autograph redemption, they are only parallel options based on what has surfaced so far. These cards are now live.
2018 Topps Triple Threads Shohei Ohtani RC #RA-SO Autograph #/99
For some reason, Ohtani missed out on the Base Rookies & Future Phenoms Autograph Relic set in 2018 Triple Threads. However, Topps did find room for him in the Rookie Autograph line, which comes as a redemption. The triple autograph relic with Mike Trout and Albert Pujols is also very popular.
Key Shohei Ohtani Pre-Rookies / Prospects
2017 Leaf Trinity Signatures Shohei Ohtani #A-SO1
The 2017 Leaf Trinity card for Ohtani has several things going for it. First, it's signed on-card and there are inscriptions. Second, the design is simple and attractive. Finally, there is the extreme rarity as it only includes five versions: Bronze (#/10), Platinum (#/7), Red (#/5), Silver (#/3), and Gold (1/1).
2017 Leaf Pearl Autographs Shohei Ohtani #AU-SO1 to SO5
Another premium Leaf option comes in 2017 Pearl. The multi-sport set offers five different images of varying rarity for Ohtani, with print runs ranging from 40 copies down to just one.
2017 Topps Now Shohei Ohtani #OS-80 (PR=17,323)
The very first Shohei Ohtani MLB card documents his free agent signing with the Los Angeles Angels on December 14, 2017. Part of the 2017 Topps Now Off-Season release, the on-demand card set the record for the Now program by selling 17,323 cards in just 24 hours.
2017 Bowman Chrome Mega Box Shohei Ohtani #BCP31
Already the key Shohei Ohtani prospect card, many collectors view the 2017 Bowman Chrome Mega Box release as the Ohtani rookie to own. Spelled Otani on his WBC Team Japan card, the Target exclusive showcases a unique chainlink pattern commonly known as "mojo" in the hobby. There are also several limited Refractor parallels, including purple (#/250), green (#/99), orange (#/25) and black (1/1).
2013 BBM Rookie Edition Shohei Ohtani #42
While Ohtani actually has a fair amount of 2013 BBM cards issued in Japan, the Rookie Edition release is among his most popular. Ohtani has two different images available for card #42, including a pitching version and a hitting edition. However, the most valuable of these are the facsimile signature parallels.
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