Shohei Ohtani continues to make waves in the sports card industry as he leads the pack in card grading submissions for the year 2023. The MLB superstar, who recently signed a record-breaking $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has become the most submitted athlete to grading companies PSA and ISA. Collectors and enthusiasts are clamoring for Ohtani’s cards, particularly his 2018 Topps #700 Pitching card, which is highly sought after. In fact, he occupies four spots in the top 10 most graded sports cards of 2023.
While Ohtani takes the top spot, basketball legend Michael Jordan remains a prominent figure in card submissions. Jordan’s 1990 Fleer card continues to be a favorite among collectors and maintains a strong presence in the market. The top 10 athletes in card submissions for 2023 also include rising stars like Julio Rodriguez, Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Ken Griffey Jr., and Patrick Mahomes II.
Notably, the 10 most graded sports cards of 2023 feature several from Shohei Ohtani, including the 2018 Bowman #49 and the 2018 Topps Update US285. Other notable cards that made the list include the 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects BCP50 Elly De La Cruz and the 1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. Star Rookie. These cards have captured the attention of collectors and have become highly coveted pieces.
In the football card scene, Justin Fields, the quarterback for the Chicago Bears, has seen a remarkable 119% increase in card submissions compared to the previous year. Fields’ popularity among collectors has grown rapidly, and his cards are becoming hot commodities. Following closely behind Fields is Trevor Lawrence, the talented quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who has experienced a 98% increase in card submissions. Fans and collectors are eager to get their hands on these rising star quarterbacks’ cards. A notable mention goes to Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, whose public relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift has likely influenced the significant growth in his card submissions.
Rookie cards continue to dominate the grading submissions across various sports. In basketball, collectors are showing interest in rookie cards from Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama, both considered highly promising talents. For football, Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy lead the pack in rookie card submissions, with collectors keen on acquiring cards from these up-and-coming players. In the baseball realm, Elly De La Cruz and Adley Rutschman are the top names when it comes to submitted rookie cards. These players have caught the attention of collectors who recognize their potential and are eager to invest in their future success.
As the year 2023 progresses, the sports card industry continues to thrive with the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Justin Fields, and Trevor Lawrence leading the way. Collectors and enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the next wave of graded trading cards and the emergence of new rookies who might become the future stars of the industry. The world of sports cards remains dynamic and exciting, offering endless possibilities for both collectors and athletes alike.