In a stunning display of the enduring global appeal of baseball’s biggest star, a game-worn jersey belonging to Shohei Ohtani from the 2026 World Baseball Classic fetched an astonishing $1,500,010 at auction through MLB Auctions. The sale marks the highest price ever paid for an Ohtani jersey at public auction, eclipsing previous records and underscoring his unparalleled status in the sport.
The jersey in question is the No. 16 Samurai Japan uniform Ohtani wore during Japan’s dominant 13-0 victory over Chinese Taipei on March 6, 2026, at the Tokyo Dome. In that opening-round game, Ohtani delivered a masterful performance at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a grand slam and five RBIs. The blast was part of an explosive 10-run second inning that set the tone for Japan’s commanding win. Throughout the tournament, Ohtani showcased his trademark two-way brilliance, batting .462 with a 1.842 OPS before Japan fell to eventual champion Venezuela in the quarterfinals.
The seven-day auction drew intense interest, attracting 298 bids and driving the price far beyond expectations. For context, a similar Ohtani WBC game-used jersey from the 2023 tournament, worn in a pool-play matchup against Australia, sold for $126,100 via MLB Auctions. The 2026 jersey’s final hammer price represents more than a tenfold increase, reflecting Ohtani’s skyrocketing memorabilia value following his move to the Los Angeles Dodgers, his historic 50/50 season in 2024, multiple MVP awards, and his role in leading the Dodgers to success.
As Ohtani continues to rewrite record books on the field, his off-field market shows no signs of slowing. For collectors, this $1.5 million jersey isn’t just fabric and stitching; it’s a piece of living history from one of baseball’s most extraordinary talents.
The identity of the winning bidder remains anonymous, but the transaction reaffirms Ohtani’s position as perhaps the most valuable name in sports memorabilia today. In an era where stars come and go, Shohei Ohtani’s legacy, both athletic and commercial, keeps reaching new heights.