Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto cemented himself as one of MLB’s most dominant and dedicated pitchers during the 2025 World Series, coming into Game 7 just one day after a strong six-inning performance in Game 6.
Yamamoto won World Series MVP for his efforts in the Fall Classic, making three appearances and allowing just two runs through 17.2 innings. He also had an incredible regular season, posting a 2.49 ERA across 30 starts and finishing third in NL Cy Young award voting behind Paul Skenes and Cristopher Sanchez.
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With Yamamoto’s strong performances over the course of the season, it’s only natural his trading card market has increased.
NBA All-Star and current New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns is one collector who has cashed in on Yamamoto’s increased value, selling a 2024 Topps Inception card of the ace. The rookie card featured the MLB Logo from one of Yamamoto’s worn uniforms, as well as an autograph. It is the only one of its kind.
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The card also held a Gem-Mint 10 rating from PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), making it all the more valuable. Towns sold the card for $72,000, a record among Yamamoto’s previous card sales at the time. The most expensive Yamamoto card ever sold is now a 2024 Topps Dynasty card, which is also one-of-one and features the MLB Logoman and an autograph.
Towns has become increasingly prominent in the card collecting community over the last few months, posting videos on YouTube of him opening card packs to try and turn a profit. He also routinely streams pack openings.
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Yamamoto’s card market will inevitably continue to grow as his career progresses, and Towns could come to kick himself if the ace continues to grow as he has during his two years in MLB.
Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
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