NEW YORK, NY — Shohei Ohtani has recently become a sensation in Major League Baseball (MLB) and is now the most popular player in terms of jersey sales. After winning a World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers and starting the MLB season in Tokyo, Ohtani’s international drawing power is hardly diminished. His Nike jersey has been the best seller among players in not just the U.S. but also Japan and globally since 2023.
Here are the jersey sales, according to MLB and MLB Players, Inc. (MLBPI), channeling the excitement of the league’s pop-up for the election: Just behind Ohtani are Dodgers stars Freddie Freeman (#2) and Mookie Betts (#4), as well as the offseason headline-hogging Juan Soto of the New York Mets (#3) and reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees (#5). This is the first time in his career in the top three for Soto.
Sales data from the Fanatics network that includes MLBShop. com, fantasy updates since the conclusion of the 2024 World Series highlight a dynamic mix of veteran prowess and youthful promise. Rounding out the top five are stars Francisco Lindor (#6), Bryce Harper (#7), Jose Altuve (#8) and Ronald Acuña Jr. (#9). Of course, there is an international flavor to this year’s sale, as Japan’s own Yoshinobu Yamamoto (#10) joins Ohtani in the top ten, making the second time two Japanese-born players have sold well, going back to Ichiro Suzuki and Yu Darvish in 2012.
It underscores MLB’s youth if five players are 26 or younger, and over half the list is 30 or younger. In addition to the 26-year-old Soto, this emerging talent pool consists of Paul Skenes (#15), the 22-year-old NL Rookie of the Year, 23-year-olds Elly De La Cruz (#13), Gunnar Henderson (#14) and Anthony Volpe (#19), and 24-year-old Bobby Witt Jr. (#18). Skenes notably became the first player on this list to represent the Pittsburgh Pirates since 2016, while Witt became the first to represent the Kansas City Royals since they had multiple listings themselves in 2016.
It’s the latest surge of popularity powered, in part, by the Dodgers’ success. The Dodgers’ six players on the list reflect their World Series title and sizzling start in Tokyo. That presence includes Dodgers veterans Clayton Kershaw (#11) and Kiké Hernández (#16).
As MLB seasons play out, such rankings not only reflect the passion of fans but also serve as a testament to the growth and internationalization of the sport and its developing stars for the future. Led by superstars such as Ohtani and an exciting wave of young stars making their presence felt, MLB remains a sport that captures the world’s imagination, delighting fans of all ages.
Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers
Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles Dodgers
Juan Soto, New York Mets
Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers
Aaron Judge, New York Yankees
Francisco Lindor, New York Mets
Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies
Jose Altuve, Houston Astros
Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers
Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers
Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres
Elly De La Cruz, Cincinnati Reds
Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles
Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates
Kiké Hernández, Los Angeles Dodgers
Corey Seager, Texas Rangers
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals
Anthony Volpe, New York Yankees
Manny Machado, San Diego Padres
