Shohei Ohtani remains top-selling MLB jersey, with Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge following closely

In a recent report by The Associated Press, it was revealed that Shohei Ohtani has maintained his position as the top-selling jersey in Major League Baseball during the first half of the season. Ohtani, who made history as the first Japanese player to lead sales last year with the Los Angeles Angels, has continued his popularity even after signing a massive $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers. Due to elbow surgery, Ohtani has been limited to designated hitter duties this season. His teammates Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman also made it to the top 20 list, with Betts ranking fourth and Freeman at the 20th spot. Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge followed closely behind Ohtani in jersey sales, with Harper not being among the top 20 last year due to a delayed season debut with the Philadelphia Phillies. Judge, on the other hand, maintained his third position during a strong first half. Notable players like Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Jose Altuve also featured in the top jersey sales list. The rankings were based on sales of Nike jerseys from MLBShop.com since the season's opening day on March 20. The report highlighted the shift in rankings compared to the previous season, with players like Ronald Acuña Jr. dropping due to injury and newcomers like Cincinnati's Elly De La Cruz and Baltimore's Adley Rutschman making their mark. The list also saw the absence of players like Mike Trout and Joey Votto, who faced injuries and changes in team affiliations. Additionally, the diversity of the top 20 players was noted, with nine of them hailing from countries like Japan, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. Pittsburgh pitcher Paul Skenes, who debuted in May, entered the top 20 list for the week of July 1-7, showcasing the dynamic nature of jersey sales in Major League Baseball. The rankings provide insights into the popularity and marketability of players among fans, reflecting their impact and appeal within the baseball community.