MLB
Did Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani break the record in jersey sales this season?
The Japanese baseball player has once more established himself as the most visible face of Major League Baseball by topping the list of jersey sales.
In a season full of unforgettable moments, Shohei Ohtani made headlines for his performances on the field and made a lasting impact in the commercial world. During a season where he focused solely on his role as a hitter, the Japanese phenomenon set records in baseball and saw a substantial increase in his jersey sales, making it the top-selling jersey in Major League Baseball again.
Ohtani, known for his unique ability to excel as a pitcher and a hitter, reached some serious historic milestones this year. With 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases, he became the first player to accomplish this feat, proving his status as one of the most incredible talents ever. This impressive performance undoubtedly helped him gain popularity among the fans. Because of that, he maintained the top spot on the jersey sales list, marking the second consecutive year he has topped the prestigious list. Most importantly, he deserves it because this season, although without pitching, he delivered.
The figures were released by the office of Major League Baseball and the subsidiary of the players' association MLB Players Inc.
The Los Angeles Dodgers phenom was followed in popularity by Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper, New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge, and Dodgers teammate Mookie Betts. These four players maintained their positions compared to the list presented during the All-Star break, demonstrating their continued appeal to fans.
Ohtani’s impact goes beyond his individual accomplishments. His influence in the marketplace is a testament to his ability to appeal to fans worldwide, leading to a consequential increase in the sale of MLB-related merchandise. Since his arrival in the Major Leagues, Ohtani has redefined what it means to be a baseball superstar, combining talent, charisma, and an unmatched work ethic.
Latinos, among the favorites
Joining Ohtani on the list of best-selling jerseys are Latin American players who have made their mark. Francisco Lindor of the New York Mets climbed to fifth place, surpassing injured Atlanta outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and Juan Soto of the Yankees. Houston infielder Jose Altuve also increased in popularity, moving to eighth place, while Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres fell to ninth.
Among the surprises, Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals rose to tenth place, and Dominican Corey Seager of Texas fell to eleventh. The charismatic Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays advanced to twelfth, demonstrating that his drawing power remains intact.
The list continues with the Phillies’ Trea Turner at 13th, the Cincinnati Reds’ Elly De La Cruz moving to 14th, and the Mets’ Pete Alonso dropping to 15th. The Padres’ Manny Machado moved to 16th, while Cleveland’s Jose Ramirez entered the top 20 at 17th. The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman moved up two spots to 18th, Clayton Kershaw, returning from shoulder surgery, joined the list at 19th, and the Baltimore Orioles’ Adley Rutschman fell to 20th.
The All-Star Game returns to its origins
Beyond individual achievements and jersey sales, MLB announced a significant change to the All-Star Game. Starting next season, players will once again wear their teams’ home and away uniforms, a tradition that had been on hiatus since 2019.
This change will also apply to the Home Run Derby, where participants will represent their teams in their primary uniforms.
These uniform changes, including customizable pants, larger lettering, and upgraded materials, result from a collaboration between MLB, Nike, Fanatics, and the Players Association.
These modifications are expected to be fully implemented by the 2026 season, reflecting a continued commitment to the sport’s evolution and modernization and better communication between the players and the equipment material sponsor contracted by the Major Leagues.