Better buy right now -- Ohtani or Vladdy Jr?

fabiani12333 · 10-28-2025, 11:15 PM

The 2025 World Series between the Dodgers and Blue Jays is currently tied 2-2. The main match-up in the series has been between the two best players, the Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani and Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Ohtani is the presumptive 2025 NL MVP and has had flashes of historic greatness this postseason, including a 3-homer, 6-inning shutout performance in game 4 of the LCS, and a 2-homer, 9-times-on-base performance in game 3 of the World Series. He's also struggled at times this postseason, hitting .103 with 14 strikeouts and 0 home runs from game 1 of the LDS through game 3 of the LCS.

Vladdy Jr, on the other hand, had merely a good regular season, being named an All Star for the 5th time and leading his team to the best record in the AL. But he's taken his performance to another level in the postseason, hitting .419 with 7 home runs in 15 games. It's been reminiscent of his great 2021 season, when he led the league in home runs and OPS. He's a big reason why his team is in good position to win a World Series this season.

Ohtani's card prices have skyrocketed recently, reaching obscene heights for certain cards. Many are calling him the GOAT, including MLB Hall of Famers. Maybe his prices are due for a cooling off? Or maybe he's truly the GOAT and his prices could go even higher.

I haven't been tracking Vladdy's card prices, but I assume they are seeing a big spike recently. And even though he's been in the league for seven seasons, he's still only 26-years-old -- is his prime still yet to come? Is his performance this postseason a coming-out? Or is he just in a hot streak and he'll fall back down to being merely good next season?

One thing to note is Vladdy hit a two-run home run off Ohtani tonight and it led to the Blue Jays winning the game and Ohtani taking the loss. It's recency bias, but also would be a memorable moment if Vladdy and the Blue Jays end up winning the series.

So, knowing all that, who do you think is the better buy going forward?

ThoseBackPages · 10-28-2025, 11:20 PM

Ohtani

WillBBC · 10-28-2025, 11:46 PM

I say this as a huge fan/collector of Vlad and his dad going on almost 30 years. There is Ohtani, then there is literally everybody else. Ohtani has 90s Jordan card buzz. Nobody’s been close to that tier in baseball in decades.

kipgen · 10-29-2025, 12:07 AM

I'd say better buy right now is Vladdy because Ohtani is at peak and will likely cool off pricewise at some point

Even better buy though is Aaron Judge

49ersSF · 10-29-2025, 01:03 AM

Both are great players. Vlad's market is lower than it should be and has plenty of room to move up.

However, when there is a debate about whether you are the greatest to ever put on a baseball uniform, it should answer the question. Ohtani is a legend of the game, an absolute icon that will be talked about 100 years from now. If you are investing long term, he's your guy.

eastbayak · 10-29-2025, 01:15 AM

At current prices, Vlad.

But you can make the same argument for a number of players.

No disrespect to Ohtani either. He's the GOAT in my book. But a lot of his cards are already priced sky-high and getting a 3-5x on his high-end will be harder to do than someone like Vlad (once again, at current prices).

majestik101 · 10-29-2025, 01:33 AM

Is this a serious question?

Archangel1775 · 10-29-2025, 02:08 AM

Its Ohtani. He will likely go down as the GOAT when his career is over. He's still got more to do and 8 years to go. I remember laughing at junk era Jordan cards in PSA 10 hitting $40 when they were $6 to grade. They are way more than that now.

MiamiMarlinsFan · 10-29-2025, 03:12 AM

If we’re talking about investing it’s Ohtani and it’s not even close. Vlady Jr is great, and his collectors should just enjoy the comparatively low prices his cards go for, but he shouldn’t be viewed in the same class as Ohtani.

Triple B · 10-29-2025, 06:11 AM

Upside - Vladdy. His cards are much lower than they should be.

Overall - Ohtani. He's a unicorn. He's the GOAT.

fulltritty · 10-29-2025, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fabiani12333

The 2025 World Series between the Dodgers and Blue Jays is currently tied 2-2. The main match-up in the series has been between the two best players, the Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani and Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Ohtani is the presumptive 2025 NL MVP and has had flashes of historic greatness this postseason, including a 3-homer, 6-inning shutout performance in game 4 of the LCS, and a 2-homer, 9-times-on-base performance in game 3 of the World Series. He's also struggled at times this postseason, hitting .103 with 14 strikeouts and 0 home runs from game 1 of the LDS through game 3 of the LCS.

Vladdy Jr, on the other hand, had merely a good regular season, being named an All Star for the 5th time and leading his team to the best record in the AL. But he's taken his performance to another level in the postseason, hitting .419 with 7 home runs in 15 games. It's been reminiscent of his great 2021 season, when he led the league in home runs and OPS. He's a big reason why his team is in good position to win a World Series this season.

Ohtani's card prices have skyrocketed recently, reaching obscene heights for certain cards. Many are calling him the GOAT, including MLB Hall of Famers. Maybe his prices are due for a cooling off? Or maybe he's truly the GOAT and his prices could go even higher.

I haven't been tracking Vladdy's card prices, but I assume they are seeing a big spike recently. And even though he's been in the league for seven seasons, he's still only 26-years-old -- is his prime still yet to come? Is his performance this postseason a coming-out? Or is he just in a hot streak and he'll fall back down to being merely good next season?

One thing to note is Vladdy hit a two-run home run off Ohtani tonight and it led to the Blue Jays winning the game and Ohtani taking the loss. It's recency bias, but also would be a memorable moment if Vladdy and the Blue Jays end up winning the series.

So, knowing all that, who do you think is the better buy going forward?

It's Ohtani and it's not close.

Vladdy is simply having an incredible post season. In may ways, his regular season was down from last year's performance. I know several Blue Jays fans, my son included, who were questioning the huge amount of money given to him during the regular season based on his performance. No one player led this Toronto team to the *tied for best record in baseball. It was clearly a group effort with many contributions from players unknown to most people who don't watch the Blue Jays. There was also great seasons by Kirk, Bichette, and a resurgent Springer. Most people don't even have Vladdy listed in any MVP race normally whereas Ohtani is in it (and usually wins) every year.

BoSoxFan1999 · 10-29-2025, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by majestik101

Is this a serious question?

Look who started the thread and you'll have your answer.

ObanMontecristo · 10-29-2025, 07:11 AM

I’m just glad I’ve been collecting both of these guys, I think eventually they’re both in the HOF

seanrs1 · 10-29-2025, 07:56 AM

You are comparing a soon to be 4x MVP unicorn to an all star first baseman with no MVP who has continually disappointed collectors since his breakout 2021 season.

In the short term Vladdy jr. should see a bump. But 10 years from now nobody is going to really care and his base card RC will be in dollar bins.

Ohtani's cards are at all time highs...and should continue to rise in price due to his insane demand.

Ohtani cards long term are a way better buy.

EBCollectibles · 10-29-2025, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by majestik101

Is this a serious question?

I thought the same thing. It's like saying is Geno Smith a better buy than Tom Brady. Some have a lot of wheels turning in opposite directions up stairs.

jhssketchcards · 10-29-2025, 08:18 AM

People saying Vlad Jr is “great”… there have always been guys who scorch the postseason.
Arozarena is one. Vlad hit .292 with 23 HR, 84 RBI and 4.5 WAR this year. Since 2018 he has produced 2 100+ RBI seasons and only 2 .900+ OPS.
If ya’ll want to buy into postseason hype as a reason to buy that’s understandable, but just remember why his prices fell in the first place. Look where his prices were in 2020, vs now.
Ohtani is (like another said) like Jordan hype was.
Period.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

BoSoxFan1999 · 10-29-2025, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EBCollectibles

I thought the same thing. It's like saying is Geno Smith a better buy than Tom Brady. Some have a lot of wheels turning in opposite directions up stairs.

pfffft, Brady?! Give me Mac Jones all day long!

f2tornado · 10-29-2025, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seanrs1

But 10 years from now nobody is going to really care and his base card RC will be in dollar bins.

His rookie cards are already in the dollar bins. I sometimes even find the Chrome in them. Maybe he keeps doing what he's been doing for another decade and ends up in the Hall at some point otherwise his week might be as good as it gets for moving his stuff.

hermanotarjeta · 10-29-2025, 08:22 AM

If Toronto wins, in the short term it’s Vladdy.

In the long term it’s Shohei despite the crazy prices.

BoSoxFan1999 · 10-29-2025, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f2tornado

His rookie cards are already in the dollar bins. I sometimes even find the Chrome in them. Maybe he keeps doing what he's been doing for another decade and ends up in the Hall at some point otherwise his week might be as good as it gets for moving his stuff.

Honestly, Vlad Jr's best case career outcome is an Edgar Martinez or like Fred McGriff.

oldgoldy97 · 10-29-2025, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoSoxFan1999

Look who started the thread and you'll have your answer.

Ah, it makes sense now.

f2tornado · 10-29-2025, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoSoxFan1999

Honestly, Vlad Jr's best case career outcome is an Edgar Martinez or like Fred McGriff.

Crime Dog + 7 HRs changes the equation a bit. Possible, but I wouldn't bet on it. He'd need to average 32 HRs over the next decade to pull that off, something he's matched or exceeded in only two seasons. I'll happily pick up gem looking VGJ rookies in the dollar boxes but would much rather find second and third year Ohtani in them.

msink28 · 10-29-2025, 08:47 AM

I don't think Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. is a better buy than Shohei Ohtani but I do think he's a fine buy overall and that his cards are underpriced. Same category for me as Juan Soto. Both guys are still so young, just 26 and 27, but they've already putting up strong counting stats, performed exceptionally in the playoffs, and competed for MVPs.

fabiani12333 · 10-29-2025, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hermanotarjeta

If Toronto wins, in the short term it’s Vladdy.

In the long term it’s Shohei despite the crazy prices.

Yes -- see? Hermano gets the poll question -- it's about value going forward. No need to get offended, Ohtani bois.

fabiani12333 · 10-29-2025, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kipgen

I'd say better buy right now is Vladdy because Ohtani is at peak and will likely cool off pricewise at some point

Even better buy though is Aaron Judge

Interesting -- a third option. If Judge can finally win a title next year, he may indeed be the better play at this moment.

View Poll Results: Better buy right now -- Ohtani or Vladdy Jr?
Shohei Ohtani	65	51.59%
Vladimir Guerrero Jr	61	48.41%
Voters: 126. You may not vote on this poll

10-28-2025, 11:15 PM	#1
fabiani12333 Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Posts: 12,486	Better buy right now -- Ohtani or Vladdy Jr? The 2025 World Series between the Dodgers and Blue Jays is currently tied 2-2. The main match-up in the series has been between the two best players, the Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani and Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Ohtani is the presumptive 2025 NL MVP and has had flashes of historic greatness this postseason, including a 3-homer, 6-inning shutout performance in game 4 of the LCS, and a 2-homer, 9-times-on-base performance in game 3 of the World Series. He's also struggled at times this postseason, hitting .103 with 14 strikeouts and 0 home runs from game 1 of the LDS through game 3 of the LCS. Vladdy Jr, on the other hand, had merely a good regular season, being named an All Star for the 5th time and leading his team to the best record in the AL. But he's taken his performance to another level in the postseason, hitting .419 with 7 home runs in 15 games. It's been reminiscent of his great 2021 season, when he led the league in home runs and OPS. He's a big reason why his team is in good position to win a World Series this season. Ohtani's card prices have skyrocketed recently, reaching obscene heights for certain cards. Many are calling him the GOAT, including MLB Hall of Famers. Maybe his prices are due for a cooling off? Or maybe he's truly the GOAT and his prices could go even higher. I haven't been tracking Vladdy's card prices, but I assume they are seeing a big spike recently. And even though he's been in the league for seven seasons, he's still only 26-years-old -- is his prime still yet to come? Is his performance this postseason a coming-out? Or is he just in a hot streak and he'll fall back down to being merely good next season? One thing to note is Vladdy hit a two-run home run off Ohtani tonight and it led to the Blue Jays winning the game and Ohtani taking the loss. It's recency bias, but also would be a memorable moment if Vladdy and the Blue Jays end up winning the series. So, knowing all that, who do you think is the better buy going forward? Last edited by fabiani12333; 10-28-2025 at 11:17 PM.

10-28-2025, 11:20 PM	#2
ThoseBackPages Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Long Island Posts: 90,427 ThoseBackPages	Ohtani __________________ Pumpers Paradise #YouCryIBuy Four things that we cannot change each others minds about: Politics, Religion, Third Party Grading, and 2021 Bowman's Best Rookie Cards

10-29-2025, 01:03 AM	#5
49ersSF Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4,148	Both are great players. Vlad's market is lower than it should be and has plenty of room to move up. However, when there is a debate about whether you are the greatest to ever put on a baseball uniform, it should answer the question. Ohtani is a legend of the game, an absolute icon that will be talked about 100 years from now. If you are investing long term, he's your guy. __________________ They see what they have been told to see.

10-29-2025, 01:33 AM	#7
majestik101 Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Socially Distanced Posts: 45,164 majestik101	Is this a serious question? __________________ "Watson alone sells for over $20" https://www.blowoutforums.com/showthread.php?t=1182760 If you reply with...."last one on eBay sold for this"...then you should have bought it on eBay.

10-28-2025, 11:46 PM	#3
WillBBC Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 3,290	I say this as a huge fan/collector of Vlad and his dad going on almost 30 years. There is Ohtani, then there is literally everybody else. Ohtani has 90s Jordan card buzz. Nobody’s been close to that tier in baseball in decades.

10-29-2025, 12:07 AM	#4
kipgen Member Join Date: May 2024 Posts: 1,380	I'd say better buy right now is Vladdy because Ohtani is at peak and will likely cool off pricewise at some point Even better buy though is Aaron Judge

10-29-2025, 01:15 AM	#6
eastbayak Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 16,501 eastbayak	At current prices, Vlad. But you can make the same argument for a number of players. No disrespect to Ohtani either. He's the GOAT in my book. But a lot of his cards are already priced sky-high and getting a 3-5x on his high-end will be harder to do than someone like Vlad (once again, at current prices).

10-29-2025, 02:08 AM	#8
Archangel1775 Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Cali baby! Posts: 21,909	Its Ohtani. He will likely go down as the GOAT when his career is over. He's still got more to do and 8 years to go. I remember laughing at junk era Jordan cards in PSA 10 hitting $40 when they were $6 to grade. They are way more than that now. __________________ *There are the intangibles that set someone apart from the pack.So the blur isn't your inability to see his greatness, it's merely the inability to measure it.*

10-29-2025, 03:12 AM	#9
MiamiMarlinsFan Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Florida Posts: 13,777	If we’re talking about investing it’s Ohtani and it’s not even close. Vlady Jr is great, and his collectors should just enjoy the comparatively low prices his cards go for, but he shouldn’t be viewed in the same class as Ohtani.

10-29-2025, 06:11 AM	#10
Triple B Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Toronto Posts: 6,248	Upside - Vladdy. His cards are much lower than they should be. Overall - Ohtani. He's a unicorn. He's the GOAT. __________________ Wanted Dead or Alive! 1. 1997 Bowman's Best Jose Cruz, Jr Atomic Refractor Autograph 2. 1997 SPx Jose Cruz, Jr. Grand Finale /50

10-29-2025, 07:11 AM	#13
ObanMontecristo Member Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Collegeville PA Posts: 1,875	I’m just glad I’ve been collecting both of these guys, I think eventually they’re both in the HOF

10-29-2025, 07:56 AM	#14
seanrs1 Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,955	You are comparing a soon to be 4x MVP unicorn to an all star first baseman with no MVP who has continually disappointed collectors since his breakout 2021 season. In the short term Vladdy jr. should see a bump. But 10 years from now nobody is going to really care and his base card RC will be in dollar bins. Ohtani's cards are at all time highs...and should continue to rise in price due to his insane demand. Ohtani cards long term are a way better buy. __________________ PC-#1 Ohtani PC-Acuna, Soto, Tatis Jr., JRod, Vladdy Jr. Starting to collect-Judge, Betts, Trout Bag holder-#1 Wander Franco, #2 Tatis Jr.

10-29-2025, 08:18 AM	#16
jhssketchcards Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 11,433 jhssketchcards2012	People saying Vlad Jr is “great”… there have always been guys who scorch the postseason. Arozarena is one. Vlad hit .292 with 23 HR, 84 RBI and 4.5 WAR this year. Since 2018 he has produced 2 100+ RBI seasons and only 2 .900+ OPS. If ya’ll want to buy into postseason hype as a reason to buy that’s understandable, but just remember why his prices fell in the first place. Look where his prices were in 2020, vs now. Ohtani is (like another said) like Jordan hype was. Period. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

10-29-2025, 08:22 AM	#19
hermanotarjeta Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 22,313	If Toronto wins, in the short term it’s Vladdy. In the long term it’s Shohei despite the crazy prices.

10-29-2025, 08:47 AM	#23
msink28 Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 1,363	I don't think Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. is a better buy than Shohei Ohtani but I do think he's a fine buy overall and that his cards are underpriced. Same category for me as Juan Soto. Both guys are still so young, just 26 and 27, but they've already putting up strong counting stats, performed exceptionally in the playoffs, and competed for MVPs.