The world of trading cards continues to thrive in 2023, with card-grading companies PSA and ISA at the forefront of the industry. PSA recently unveiled the top 10 athletes and cards based on submissions for the year, and leading the pack is none other than MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani, who recently signed a jaw-dropping $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has become the most sought-after athlete in the trading card world. His 2018 Topps #700 Pitching card, in particular, has gained enormous popularity, making Ohtani the most submitted athlete to PSA this year. In fact, he holds an impressive four spots in the top 10 most graded sports cards of 2023.
While Ohtani steals the show, basketball legend Michael Jordan remains an enduring figure in card submissions. His 1990 Fleer card continues to be a collector’s favorite, solidifying his position in the top 10 athletes for 2023. Joining them on the list are rising stars such as Julio Rodriguez, Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Ken Griffey Jr., and Patrick Mahomes II.
The most graded sports cards of 2023 showcase several impressive offerings from Ohtani. Alongside his 2018 Topps #700 Pitching card, his 2018 Bowman #49 and 2018 Topps Update US285 are highly sought after. Other notable cards in the top 10 include the 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects BCP50 Elly De La Cruz and the 1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. Star Rookie.
In the realm of football card submissions, there has been a significant surge in interest for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields, who has seen a remarkable 119% increase compared to 2022. Following closely behind is Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence, who boasts a 98% increase in submissions. Another player who witnessed substantial growth in submissions is Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce, with his public relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift potentially contributing to the heightened interest.
Across the board, rookie cards continue to dominate grading submissions in various sports. In basketball, highly-touted prospects Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama lead the pack. On the football front, Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy emerge as the top contenders with the most submitted rookie cards. In the world of baseball, Elly De La Cruz and Adley Rutschman capture the attention of collectors with their impressive rookie card submissions.
As the trading card market continues to evolve, the dominance of athletes like Shohei Ohtani, Michael Jordan, and the rising stars of the NFL becomes evident. Collectors eagerly anticipate the next big release, as the trading card world never fails to surprise and captivate fans both old and new.
