New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns has made headlines by setting a new record for the most expensive Yoshinobu Yamamoto trading card ever sold. The card, a 1-of-1 2024 Topps Inception MLB Logoman from the Los Angeles Dodgers ace’s rookie season, fetched an impressive $72,000 in a recent auction hosted by Fanatics Collect, as reported by Larry Holder from The Athletic.
Previously, the record for the most valuable Yamamoto card was held by a 1-of-1 autographed 2024 Topps Chrome LogoFractor rookie card, which sold for $40,260 last December through Goldin. This sharp increase in value reflects rising interest in Yamamoto’s collectibles, particularly after his remarkable performance during the Dodgers’ impressive run to a second consecutive title in 2025.
Towns detailed the excitement around the card when he shared a video on his Instagram, showcasing the unboxing of the Logoman card, which features a logo patch from one of Yamamoto’s jerseys along with his autograph. This particular piece of memorabilia has been graded a Gem Mint 10 by PSA, further enhancing its desirability among collectors.
Yamamoto’s rising star and the climax of his career during the 2025 MLB season played a significant role in increasing the value of his collectibles. His journey to being named World Series MVP included an outstanding performance in Game 2 against the Toronto Blue Jays, where he pitched nine complete innings, and he played crucial roles in a must-win Game 6 and a decisive Game 7, leading the Dodgers to a thrilling comeback from a 3-2 deficit in the series.
This new record not only highlights the growing interest in sports card collecting but also underscores the multifaceted relationships between athletes, memorabilia, and fans. The rise in collectible values can be seen as a testament to the athlete’s performance and the passion of sports fans.