The battle for popularity in Major League Baseball is hotter than ever, and while Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees leads the American League voting for the All-Star Game, his dominance seems to fall short of the Shohei Ohtani hurricane and the overwhelming favoritism of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the merchandise market. Fans are not only looking for home runs, but also for their favorite star’s jersey, and in that contest, the California team and its superstar are showing unparalleled power.
Since 2023, Shohei Ohtani’s jersey has been the best-selling jersey not only in the United States and Japan, but worldwide. And for the current season, the story is repeating itself. Sales data from Fanatics confirms that Ohtani continues to dominate the top spot for the most popular jerseys on its network of sites, including MLBShop.com. This phenomenon underscores his unique status as baseball’s most marketable and followed athlete.
The Dodgers also dominate
What makes the Dodgers’ power even more evident is that Ohtani is not alone at the top of the sales charts. The team, which also shines on the field, has managed to place three other players in the top five best-selling jerseys: Freddie Freeman (third) and Mookie Betts (fourth). This positions the Dodgers as the team with the most players in the top 20 (four in total, including Clayton Kershaw at No. 20), surpassing the Mets (with three) and the Giants (with two). It’s a clear sign that the team not only wins games, but also wins over fans.
This sales phenomenon is no coincidence; it reflects the strategic construction of a team full of superstars and championship ambition that resonates deeply with the fan base. The combination of elite individual talent, coupled with the Dodgers’ rich history and constant presence among MLB’s elite, creates an irresistible collective brand
Judge vs Ohtani
Despite Ohtani’s dominance in sales, Aaron Judge is not far behind and occupies a respectable second place on the list of best-selling jerseys. His popularity is undeniable, as he demonstrated by beating Ohtani in phase 1 of the voting for the All-Star Game, obtaining an impressive total of 4,012,983 votes compared to Ohtani’s 3,967,668. Both have secured their place as automatic starters in their respective leagues for the July 15 All-Star Game in Atlanta.
On the diamond, the competition is also fierce. Ohtani leads the National League with 32 home runs, while Judge is second in the American League with 34. This parity in their offensive power adds a special flavor to their rivalry, which will extend to the Midsummer Classic, where they will share the spotlight.
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