This winter, the Los Angeles Dodgers secured star player Shohei Ohtani, who has excelled under the spotlight. As Ohtani aims for a historic 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases this season, he has signed an exclusive agreement with Fanatics to keep his baseball cards with one company, according to Dan Hajducky of ESPN.
Hajducky reports that while Ohtani had previously signed other deals with Fanatics—including an exclusive autograph, collectibles, and memorabilia deal in 2021—this new agreement specifically includes sports cards. The deal encompasses autographs and game-used memorabilia cards, featuring moments and achievements from both U.S. and Japan-based products, expanding Topps’ reach into the growing Japanese collecting market.
The $700 million valuation of Ohtani by the Dodgers highlights his significant market impact in Japan. By incorporating Japanese retailers into their network, the Dodgers are poised to drive substantial sales of Topps baseball cards in the country. The deal also covers the U.S., where Ohtani remains extremely popular, promising substantial benefits for both Fanatics and Topps.
Japanese players such as Ichiro Suzuki, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Hideki Matsui have previously signed similar contracts with Fanatics/Topps, tapping into the Japanese card market. Ohtani’s deal is expected to further boost this market.
As Ohtani continues to capitalize on his stardom and deliver outstanding performances on the field, his debut season with the Dodgers has been highly successful. The question now is how his MVP-caliber season might help the Dodgers secure a World Series title.
Dodgers benefitting from great Shohei Ohtani season
The Dodgers’ acquisition of Shohei Ohtani was always expected to be beneficial, and he has delivered an exceptional offensive season. Despite rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, Ohtani has surpassed his personal best in stolen bases and is on track to set a new career high in home runs. His performance this season has been so outstanding that it almost justifies his hefty salary.
No player has ever hit 43 home runs and stolen 43 bases in a single season, but Ohtani enters Thursday’s games with 42 home runs and 42 stolen bases. He reached these milestones faster than any of the previous five players to do so. This remarkable achievement has made him a strong candidate for the NL MVP, even though he hasn’t played in the field this year.
Ohtani is a two-time MVP, with both awards coming as a primary designated hitter, thanks to his pitching as well. Since he isn’t pitching this season, he needed an extraordinary performance to win the MVP in his first year with the Dodgers. He is on track to achieve a historic 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases this season.
Ohtani’s individual achievements have translated into team success. After not participating in any playoff games with the Angels, the Dodgers are now leading the National League West. Despite competition from the Diamondbacks and Padres, it has been a successful season for both Ohtani and the Dodgers.
The Dodgers are aiming for a deep playoff run. If Ohtani stays healthy and helps the team win the pennant, his cards are expected to become even more valuable for his new partner.
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