Shohei Ohtani continues to lead MLB’s jersey sales for 2025, holding the top position in the US, Japan, and worldwide as baseball fever heats up midseason. According to sales data from Fanatics, Ohtani’s No. 17 jersey remains the most popular, followed closely by Aaron Judge’s No. 99, highlighting a fierce rivalry between these two superstars.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are asserting their dominance not only on the field but also in fan merchandise, with three additional players joining Ohtani among the top jersey sellers. Freddie Freeman ranks third, Mookie Betts is fourth, and Clayton Kershaw claims the twentieth spot, confirming that the Dodgers’ influence extends far beyond gameplay.
All-Star Players Dominate Fan Merchandise Demand
The 2025 All-Star roster heavily influences jersey sales, filling 13 of the top 20 spots with elite players. Alongside Ohtani, Judge, Freeman, and Francisco Lindor (fifth), names like Rafael Devers, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Ronald Acuña Jr. appear as fan favorites. Notably, Devers made his debut in the top 20 rankings, propelled by sales of both his Boston Red Sox and San Francisco Giants jerseys.
On the field, Ohtani and Judge’s performance this season has been neck-and-neck. Ohtani leads the National League with 32 home runs, while Judge holds second place in the American League with 34 homers, intensifying their competition beyond sales and into the heart of the game. Despite Ohtani’s jersey leading sales, Judge secured the most votes in phase 1 of the All-Star voting, indicating a split in fan allegiance heading into the midsummer classic.
Intensity Builds as Judge Takes Early Lead in All-Star Voting
Aaron Judge surged ahead of Ohtani during phase 1 of the All-Star voting with an impressive 4,012,983 votes, narrowly surpassing Ohtani’s 3,967,668 votes. This strong showing ensured both players became automatic starters in their leagues: Judge as the right fielder for the American League and Ohtani as the designated hitter for the National League. The All-Star Game is set for July 15 in Atlanta, setting the stage for their much-anticipated face-off at Truist Park.
The competition between Ohtani and Judge extends beyond their offensive stats, capturing the attention of fans and media alike. While Judge’s widespread popularity is evident in voting numbers and jersey sales, Ohtani’s global appeal continues to foster a diverse international fanbase. Their matchup during the All-Star Game promises not only thrilling athleticism but also a fight for the spotlight in one of baseball’s biggest stages.
Dodgers’ Wider Influence Evident in Jersey Rankings
Beyond Ohtani’s individual success, the Los Angeles Dodgers have cemented themselves as a powerhouse of fan support. Freddie Freeman, a key offensive figure, holds the third spot in jersey sales, showing the team’s well-rounded appeal. Mookie Betts’ consistent performance puts him fourth, while veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw rounds out the top 20, reflecting fans’ loyalty to both established stars and emerging talent.
The Dodgers’ domination extends past players’ on-field achievements, influencing MLB merchandise trends at a time when jersey sales often reflect contemporary fan engagement and broader team popularity. As the season progresses, this trend signals the Dodgers’ strong hold on both the baseball diamond and the retail market.
What This Means for Fans and the Baseball Market
With the ongoing rivalry between Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge intensifying both on the field and in fan enthusiasm, the 2025 season marks a pivotal moment for MLB merchandise and fandom. Jersey sales driven by these players not only reveal who leads the sport statistically but indicate which athletes resonate most deeply with supporters worldwide. The Dodgers’ significant presence in these sales figures also hints at an expanding cultural and commercial influence.
As the All-Star Game approaches, fans are left to debate which player deserves pride of place in their collection: Ohtani’s dual-threat No. 17 or Judge’s power-packed No. 99. Baseball’s midsummer showdown at Truist Park is expected to magnify this rivalry further, potentially shaping fan allegiance and jersey sales for the remainder of the season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Shohei Ohtani the only 50/50?
A. He and Ohtani are the only Dodgers to achieve this since at least 1901. Ohtani is the first to join the 50-50 club, achieving recognition when he reached the 43-43 mark. To understand 50-50 more clearly: his 51 home runs set a record for the most during a 50-steal season in MLB history.