Maybe this is well-known for all the sellers here on Mantel, but as someone who is solely a collector I was shocked to see the price increase of Shohei Ohtani's 2013 BBM cards over the past 12-18 months.

I believe Ohtani’s 2013 BBM cards have moved from a niche, Japan-focused segment to center stage because collectors began viewing them as undervalued origin cards, especially as surging demand for 2018 Topps rookies pushed those prices higher. Attention naturally shifted back to where Ohtani’s story begins - most notably the SCM #206, widely considered his first issued card.

As Ohtani’s appeal grew, so did demand around the globe - all chasing a limited supply. BBM cards often have PSA populations in the low hundreds, compared to tens of thousands for 2018 Topps rookies.

The result has been a clear repricing (2x–5x+) over the past year+ as BBM cards transitioned from overlooked to essential. With continued global demand and a focus on scarcity and origin, these cards appear to be increasingly viewed as cornerstone, long-term pieces. I believe that they are well positioned to hold their new floor and steadily trend higher over time, particularly as Ohtani continues to build upon his legacy.