In 2023, the card-grading giants PSA and ISA continue to dominate the sports card industry, and they have recently revealed the top 10 athletes and most graded cards based on submissions for the year. Unsurprisingly, MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani leads the pack, following his record-breaking $700 million contract signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani’s cards, particularly his 2018 Topps #700 Pitching card, are highly coveted among collectors, making him the most submitted athlete to PSA this year. What’s more impressive is that Ohtani holds an astonishing four spots in the top 10 most graded sports cards of 2023.
While Shohei Ohtani claims the top spot, the legendary Michael Jordan maintains his prominence in trading card submissions. Jordan’s 1990 Fleer card remains a favorite among collectors, securing him a high position on the list. The top 10 athletes in card submissions for 2023 are as follows:
1. Shohei Ohtani
2. Michael Jordan
3. Julio Rodriguez
4. Trevor Lawrence
5. Joe Burrow
6. Tom Brady
7. Kobe Bryant
8. LeBron James
9. Ken Griffey Jr.
10. Patrick Mahomes II
As for the most graded sports cards of 2023, several of them belong to Shohei Ohtani, including the 2018 Bowman #49 and the 2018 Topps Update US285. Other notable cards include the 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects BCP50 Elly De La Cruz and the 1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. Star Rookie. It’s clear that Ohtani’s cards are commanding attention among collectors, making him a force to reckon with in the sports card market.
In the realm of football card submissions, there are a couple of rising stars to watch out for. Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields has seen a remarkable 119% increase in submissions compared to 2022, showing his growing popularity among collectors. Following closely behind is Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who has enjoyed a significant 98% increase in card submissions. Additionally, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has also experienced a surge in submissions, possibly fueled by his highly publicized relationship with the pop superstar Taylor Swift.
Rookie cards continue to dominate the grading submissions across all sports. In basketball, the top rookie card submissions include Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama, promising young talents who are capturing the attention of collectors. In football, it’s Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy who lead the pack with their impressive rookie cards. In the world of baseball, Elly De La Cruz and Adley Rutschman’s rookie cards have been the most submitted, indicating the excitement and anticipation surrounding their careers.
Overall, 2023 has been an eventful year in the sports card industry, with Shohei Ohtani solidifying his position as the most sought-after athlete in the trading card market. Meanwhile, Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence are making waves in football card submissions, showcasing their rising popularity among collectors. As we enter the next year, the sports card frenzy is sure to continue, with new rookies capturing the attention of fans and collectors alike.