Shohei Ohtani, the sensational MLB star who recently inked a record-breaking $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has taken the top spot in the list of 2023’s most graded trading cards. The prolific Japanese player’s cards, especially his 2018 Topps #700 Pitching card, are highly sought after by collectors, making Ohtani the most submitted athlete to the grading companies PSA and ISA this year. Ohtani’s popularity is evident as he claims four spots in the top 10 list of most graded sports cards of 2023.

While Ohtani steals the show, basketball legend Michael Jordan continues to be a prominent figure in card submissions. Collectors still hold his 1990 Fleer card in high regard, keeping it among the favorites. The rest of the top 10 athletes in card submissions for 2023 include rising baseball star Julio Rodriguez, football standouts Trevor Lawrence and Joe Burrow, NFL icon Tom Brady, basketball legends Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, the legendary Ken Griffey Jr., and the reigning NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes II.

The most sought-after sports cards of 2023 also feature several from Shohei Ohtani, with notable mentions being the 2018 Bowman #49 and the 2018 Topps Update US285. Joining Ohtani are standout cards such as the 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects BCP50 Elly De La Cruz and the iconic 1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. Star Rookie.

In the realm of football card submissions, two young quarterbacks have been making waves. Justin Fields, the Chicago Bears’ signal-caller, has seen an impressive 119% increase in card submissions compared to the previous year. Following closely is Trevor Lawrence, the highly touted quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, with a notable 98% increase in submissions. Additionally, Travis Kelce, the dynamic tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, has experienced significant growth in submissions, drawing attention possibly due to his public relationship with singer-songwriter Taylor Swift.

Rookie cards continue to dominate the grading submissions across all sports. For basketball, the most submitted rookie cards include Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama, both highly anticipated young talents. In football, Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy take the lead in the rookie card submissions. In baseball, Elly De La Cruz and Adley Rutschman’s rookie cards stand out among the rest, garnering considerable attention from collectors.

The world of trading cards continues to thrive, with PSA and ISA playing a crucial role in determining the most graded sports cards of the year. As athletes make their mark on the field, their trading cards become coveted items, showcasing their talent, popularity, and enduring legacy in the sports card industry. Whether it’s the reigning MLB superstar, rising NFL quarterbacks, or the ever-present basketball legends, the world of sports trading cards continues to captivate collectors and fans alike.

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