Santo Domingo. — Japanese phenomenon Shohei Ohtani made history off the field again, after an item of clothing worn during the 2026 World Baseball Classic reached a record value at auction.
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The jersey —worn by Ohtani in the opening game of the group stage, where Japan defeated Chinese Taipei 13-0— was sold for $1,500,010 through MLB Auctions, setting a new record among the star player’s items.
This figure far exceeds the previous record for a Japanese garment, which was $249,999 for a signed jersey from the 2024 season with the Dodgers. In addition, it leaves behind the $126,110 achieved for a jersey used in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
A historic moment turned into a collector’s item
The garment is directly linked to one of Ohtani’s most memorable performances in the tournament. In that game, the star player hit a grand slam in the second inning and finished the game with three hits in four at-bats and five RBIs.
During the 2026 Classic, the Japanese player had an outstanding performance, batting .462, with three home runs and an OPS of 1.842, reaffirming his status as one of the most dominant figures in world baseball.
A market that keeps growing
The value achieved in this auction confirms the enormous interest generated by items linked to Ohtani, considered one of the most influential baseball players today.
In recent months, several items associated with the player have reached millionaire figures, including collectible cards that have exceeded $3 million in auctions.
The 2026 Clásico jersey received 298 bids, more than double that of previous similar auctions, reflecting the growing demand among collectors.
Legacy on and off the field
Beyond his athletic achievements, Ohtani continues to establish himself as a global figure whose impact transcends the diamond.
Each piece used at key moments in his career becomes an object of high historical and economic value, reaffirming his place as a true legend of modern baseball.
