The 2018 Topps Chrome Shohei Ohtani Rookie Autograph is one of the crown jewels of Ohtani’s early card releases. Autographed on-card, this card combines the sleekness of the Topps Chrome design with the added allure of Ohtani’s signature. The card also comes in several Refractor parallels, ranging from more common options like the base Refractor to ultra-rare versions like the Superfractor (1/1). This card is a key target for collectors with higher budgets and a serious interest in Ohtani’s hobby legacy.

The 2018 Topps Update Shohei Ohtani rookie card is one of the most recognizable baseball cards of the modern era. Topps Update has long been a cornerstone for rookie cards, and Ohtani’s card from this set does not disappoint. The card captures him in mid-pitch, perfectly showcasing his dual-threat ability on the mound. Along with the base card, Topps Update offers several parallels, including Gold and Independence Day versions, which are highly sought after.

The 2018 Topps Heritage Shohei Ohtani rookie card is a throwback to the classic designs of yesteryear. Heritage is known for recreating vintage Topps designs, and this card is no exception, taking inspiration from the 1969 Topps set. Featuring a vintage-inspired design and a print-on-demand feel, the card offers a unique contrast to the flashier chromium releases. The Heritage set also includes some rare, low-numbered parallels, including Real One Autographs, which are among the most valuable Ohtani cards in the market.

The 2013 BBM Shohei Ohtani rookie card, released in Japan by BBM (Baseball Magazine), is considered his pre-MLB rookie card. This card showcases Ohtani during his time with the Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). It’s one of the earliest cards of Ohtani and holds significant value due to its international origins. While it doesn’t carry the mainstream appeal of his MLB rookie cards, it’s a must-have for hardcore Ohtani collectors who appreciate his beginnings in Japan.

Bowman Chrome is another must-have for autograph collectors, and Ohtani’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Rookie Autograph is no exception. This card is known for its striking design and strong parallels, with the “1st Bowman” autograph still carrying a lot of weight among collectors. While not as flashy as the Topps Chrome version, it is still highly collectible, with low-numbered parallels making it an attractive option for those seeking high-end Shohei Ohtani cards.