The 2025 MLB offseason has revealed fascinating trends in the world of sports memorabilia, with data from PSA, a leading authenticator of sports collectibles, showcasing the growing influence of international talent and the enduring appeal of standout performers.
From Japanese superstars to breakout rookies and World Series heroes, the latest PSA grading statistics paint a vivid picture of which players are capturing the hearts of collectors.
PSA’S TOP 20 MOST-COLLECTED MLB PLAYERS DURING THE OFFSEASON
Shohei Ohtani: 87.3k
Paul Skenes: 50.6k
Elly De La Cruz: 30.6k
Aaron Judge: 21.5k
Jackson Holliday: 20.4k
Jackson Merrill: 17.8k
Jackson Chourio: 16.6k
Bobby Witt Jr.: 15.5k
Yoshinobu Yamamoto: 12.2k
Jasson Dominguez: 10.7k
Wyatt Langford: 9.7k
Juan Soto: 7.6k
Gunnar Henderson: 7.6k
Junior Caminero: 7k
Mike Trout: 6.9k
Freddie Freeman: 5.2k
Ronald Acuna Jr.: 5k
Bryce Harper: 5k
Julio Rodriguez: 4.9k
Shota Imanaga: 4.8k
Japanese Players Take Center Stage
One of the most striking findings from PSA’s offseason data is the prominence of Japanese-born players among the most-collected MLB figures. Leading the charge is Shohei Ohtani, whose 87,300 graded cards make him not only the top-collected player of the 2025 offseason but also the #2 most-collected baseball player of all time, trailing only Ken Griffey Jr.
Remarkably, PSA graded over three times as many Ohtani cards as Griffey cards during the offseason period spanning November 2024 to February 2025, underscoring the two-way phenom’s meteoric rise in popularity.
Ohtani isn’t alone in representing Japan on the list. Yoshinobu Yamamoto (12,200 cards) and Shota Imanaga (4,800 cards) also cracked the top 20, landing at #9 and #20, respectively. Just missing the cutoff at #21 is Roki Sasaki, a highly touted pitcher whose stateside debut is eagerly anticipated. The presence of these four Japanese players signals a shift in the memorabilia market, reflecting the global appeal of Japan’s baseball talent and their growing impact on Major League Baseball.
Emerging Stars and Veteran Standouts
While Ohtani dominates the charts, the offseason data also highlights a mix of young stars and established veterans. Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes ranks second with 50,600 graded cards, a testament to his electrifying rookie campaign. Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz follows at #3 with 30,600 cards, captivating collectors with his blend of speed and power. Rounding out the top five are New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge (21,500 cards) and Baltimore Orioles prospect Jackson Holliday (20,400 cards), showcasing the balance between proven excellence and future potential.
Other notable names in the top 10 include Jackson Merrill (#6, 17,800 cards), Jackson Chourio (#7, 16,600 cards), Bobby Witt Jr. (#8, 15,500 cards), and Jasson Dominguez (#10, 10,700 cards). These players, many of whom are early in their careers, represent the next generation of MLB talent driving collector interest.
Veterans like Juan Soto (#12, 7,600 cards), Mike Trout (#15, 6,900 cards), and Ronald Acuña Jr. (#17, 5,000 cards) maintain their relevance, but it’s clear that the market is tilting toward younger players with breakout potential.
Freddie Freeman’s World Series Boost
One of the biggest offseason surges belongs to Freddie Freeman, whose cards saw a staggering 220% increase in grading volume from November to January.
This spike coincides with his MVP performance during the 2024 World Series, where the Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman showcased his clutch hitting and veteran leadership. With 5,200 cards graded, Freeman lands at #16 on the list, proving that postseason heroics can significantly elevate a player’s collectible value.
What the Data Tells Us
PSA’s top 20 list, based on cards graded between November 2024 and February 2025, reflects a memorabilia market energized by a blend of international stars, rookie sensations, and postseason standouts. Shohei Ohtani’s dominance—both in the offseason rankings and historically—cements his status as a global icon, while the strong showing of fellow Japanese players like Yamamoto, Imanaga, and Sasaki highlights the increasing influence of international talent.
Meanwhile, the rise of players like Skenes, De La Cruz, and the trio of Jacksons (Holliday, Merrill, and Chourio) signals a collector base eager to invest in the future of the game. Freddie Freeman’s surge serves as a reminder that timeless performances, especially on the biggest stages, still resonate deeply with fans and collectors alike.
As the 2025 MLB season approaches, the PSA data offers a compelling snapshot of the players shaping the memorabilia landscape. Whether it’s Ohtani’s unparalleled stardom or the next wave of prospects making their mark, the collecting world is buzzing with excitement for what lies ahead.
