NEW YORK — Shohei Ohtani jersey sales once again lead Major League Baseball heading into the 2026 season, marking the third consecutive year the Los Angeles Dodgers star has topped the league’s merchandise rankings.
Data released by Major League Baseball shows Ohtani maintaining the No. 1 position based on sales tracked through official retail platforms since the conclusion of the previous season’s World Series. The sustained demand underscores both his individual profile and the commercial reach of the Dodgers following their recent championship success.
The league confirmed that jersey sales figures were compiled across Fanatics-operated outlets, including MLB’s official online stores, providing a standardized measure of fan purchasing activity entering Opening Day.
Dodgers Presence Drives Merchandise Rankings
Ohtani’s lead at the top of the list was reinforced by strong representation from his teammates. Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto ranked second overall, while shortstop Mookie Betts also secured a position within the top five.
The concentration of Dodgers players among the highest-selling jerseys reflects the club’s competitive momentum and visibility after securing back-to-back World Series titles. League data suggests that team success continues to translate directly into merchandise demand across global markets.
Star Power Across Markets Shapes Sales Rankings
Outside Los Angeles, Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees ranked third, maintaining his position as one of MLB’s most marketable figures. Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh placed fourth, marking a notable rise and his first appearance among the top-tier sellers.
Additional players in the top 10 include Ronald Acuña Jr., who previously led jersey sales during the 2023 All-Star period, along with established names such as Nolan Arenado and Freddie Freeman. Emerging players, including Pete Crow-Armstrong and Roman Anthony, also entered the top 10 for the first time, signaling shifting fan interest toward younger talent.
Commercial Impact Signals Market Momentum Entering Season
The latest jersey rankings offer a commercial snapshot of MLB’s global appeal ahead of Opening Day, with international stars such as Ohtani and Yamamoto continuing to expand the league’s footprint beyond North America. The Associated Press reported that Ohtani has now finished as the top-selling player in three straight measurement periods, reinforcing his role as a central commercial figure in the sport.
With the regular season set to begin, merchandise performance is expected to evolve alongside on-field results. Early-season performance, market size, and postseason positioning typically influence future rankings, particularly as teams contend for playoff spots and divisional standings.
MLB’s early sales data suggests that the Dodgers’ combination of star power and recent success positions them strongly not only in competition but also in the league’s broader business landscape heading into 2026.
