Every time Shohei Ohtani steps on the field is “a moment,” and his latest memorabilia deal can help fans collect a piece of history.
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ designated hitter has signed an exclusive global trading card deal with the Fanatics-owned Topps. In addition to autographs, the new pact includes game-used memorabilia trading cards, as well as cards that reflect big moments and achievements in the two-way phenom’s career.
The agreement, which is effective immediately, represents a massive step up in his relationship with the Fanatics brand. Ohtani previously signed a non-exclusive deal with Topps back in 2018 shortly after he came to the U.S. to play for the Los Angeles Angels.
Topps will have products for both the U.S. and Japan, with the latter being a growing market for the Fanatics Collectibles division. Ohtani joins his fellow countryman and Dodgers teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto, along with retired stars such as Ichiro Suzuki and Hideki Matsui, on Topps’ growing roster of Japanese players. He’s not the only L.A. star with an exclusive trading card deal with the Fanatics Collectibles group; LeBron James signed a similar deal in January.
Ohtani is writing his own new chapter in MLB’s history books in 2024 with another MVP-like campaign. Unable to pitch this season after undergoing UCL reconstruction surgery last year, the two-time American League MVP focused more of his energy on the basepaths in his first season in Dodger blue. Ohtani became just the sixth AL/NL player ever to steal 40 bases and hit 40 home runs in a single season, achieving the feat with a walk-off grand slam on Aug. 24. He joined the 40/40 club in 21 fewer games than anyone else, including last year’s NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr.
“With this new, exclusive deal, Topps will continue to be innovative in our offerings with him, giving collectors product that’s never before been seen in the hobby,” David Leiner, president of trading cards at Fanatics Collectibles, said in a statement.
One of those never-before-seen offerings could happen in the waning weeks of the regular season. Ohtani could break new ground as the first AL/NL player to ever have a 45/45 season.
After six seasons in Anaheim, Ohtani became a free agent last fall, choosing to sign the richest contract in sports history with the Dodgers—a 10-year, $700 million deal where 97% of the money ($680 million) is in deferred salary. Between 2034 and 2043, the Dodgers will pay Ohtani in installments of $68 million per year without interest.
Despite being on the books for just a $2 million salary this season, the 30-year-old will earn more than anyone else in baseball due to his robust list of endorsements, which includes New Balance and Rapsodo.
