Updated
Shohei Ohtani’s popularity remains remarkably strong, even after a disappointing postseason with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Japanese superstar has made headlines once again, but this time, his performance on the field isn’t the reason. A game-worn jersey has sold for an astonishing $2,055,700, setting a public auction record for a 21st-century baseball jersey.
Dodgers fan caught on camera switching home run baseball after catch
The historic sale took place through The Realest, surpassing the $1.792 million paid for New York Yankees star Aaron Judge’s MLB debut uniform.
The result shows Ohtani’s extraordinary appeal among collectors, whose enthusiasm for his memorabilia hasn’t faded despite his recent struggles on the diamond.
Ohtani wore the jersey on March 18, 2025, when the Dodgers faced the Chicago Cubs at Tokyo Dome during MLB’s Tokyo Series.
The matchup was particularly significant because it brought the international superstar back to Japan for a memorable regular-season appearance.
Several distinctive details helped make the uniform such a valuable collectible. It featured the first-ever gold MLB Logoman patch and was subsequently signed by Ohtani.
He also added inscriptions commemorating the game and his 2025 National League Most Valuable Player award, giving the jersey additional historical significance.
Record-breaking memorabilia despite playoff disappointment
The remarkable auction result arrives after a frustrating postseason for Ohtani and the Dodgers. The superstar dealt with injuries involving his right biceps and left knee during the 2026 campaign, raising questions about his condition heading into the offseason.
Los Angeles ultimately suffered elimination at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series. Ohtani struggled offensively during the playoffs, managing a .150 batting average with three hits in 20 at-bats.
Although he launched a three-run homer in Game 4, his contribution wasn't enough to prevent the Dodgers from exiting the postseason.
Nevertheless, his regular-season performances demonstrated that he remains an exceptional talent.
Ohtani finished with a .275 batting average, 30 home runs and 81 RBIs across 135 games. He also contributed on the mound, recording eight wins and a 1.79 earned-run average in 14 starts.
Following the Dodgers’ elimination, Ohtani shared a brief message with supporters on social media, posting two simple words: “Thank you.”
The Realest founder and CEO Scott Keeney highlighted the importance of the record-setting sale, explaining that exceptional collectibles preserve sporting moments that can never be recreated.
“The greatest collectibles are the ones that capture moments that can never be recreated, and this jersey represents exactly that,” Keeney said.
“Ohtani is redefining what’s possible in the collectibles market, and the global response to this jersey reinforces just how significant these historic artifacts have become.”
With the offseason underway, attention will turn to Ohtani’s recovery and whether he'll return to his full two-way responsibilities next season. Any potential surgery or rehabilitation plans could shape those preparations.