In 2023, the card-grading companies PSA and ISA have maintained their strong presence in the sports card industry, with PSA unveiling the top 10 athletes and cards based on submissions for the year. Topping the list is none other than MLB sensation Shohei Ohtani, who recently signed an astonishing $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. As a result, Ohtani’s cards, particularly his 2018 Topps #700 Pitching card, have become highly coveted among collectors, making him the most frequently submitted athlete for grading this year. Ohtani’s fans will be thrilled to know that he holds an impressive four spots in the top 10 most graded sports cards of 2023.
Despite the passing of time, basketball legend Michael Jordan remains an iconic figure in the world of card submissions, with his 1990 Fleer card continuing to be a favorite among collectors. The top 10 athletes in terms of 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
Taking a closer look at the most graded sports cards of 2023, several of Ohtani’s cards shine, including the 2018 Bowman #49 and the 2018 Topps Update US285. Other standout cards include the 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects BCP50 Elly De La Cruz, as well as the 1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. Star Rookie.
In the realm of football card submissions, Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields has experienced a remarkable 119% increase compared to last year. Following closely is Trevor Lawrence, the talented quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, with a commendable 98% increase. Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce has also witnessed significant growth in submissions, with his public relationship with superstar singer Taylor Swift potentially influencing the uptick.
As for the rookie cards, they continue to dominate grading submissions across all sports. Among the top rookie card submissions in basketball are Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama, both generating considerable excitement among collectors. In football, it’s Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy who lead the rookie submissions, catching the attention of football enthusiasts. In baseball, Elly De La Cruz and Adley Rutschman top the list as the most submitted rookie cards, making waves in the world of trading cards.
The sports card industry remains dynamic and filled with surprises as athletes continue to captivate fans with their exceptional performances. Whether it’s the electrifying talent of Shohei Ohtani or the rising stars like Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence, the demand for graded trading cards shows no signs of slowing down. Collectors and enthusiasts will undoubtedly keep their eyes on these players as the industry continues to evolve in the coming years.
