WATCH: Dodgers fans line up hours before gates open to try and secure Shohei Ohtani bobblehead

The Los Angeles Dodgers may have gone too far by offering Shohei Ohtani bobbleheads to the first 40,000 fans in attendance on Thursday night. It is easily one of the most anticipated fan giveaways of the year. The Dodgers are not only giving away the Ohtani bobblehead, but 1,700 of them are a rare, alternative version of the two-time MVP.

The coveted Shohei Ohtani bobblehead giveaway has sent fans into a frenzy as they are hoping to get their hands on the unique item. Even though the Los Angeles Dodgers game against the Cincinnati Reds does not begin until 10:00 pm EST, fans have already been lining up around the block to improve their odds of landing the free merchandise.

"Shohei Ohtani bobblehead night at Dodgers Stadium tonight. Gates don’t open for a couple of hours and the line is already crazy" - @brandonwenerd

Although it may seem crazy to some people, the fact that Ohtani is one of the most popular players in the world only increases the value of any collectibles with his likeness. From rookie baseball cards to autographed memorabilia, there is arguably no MLB player's merch and collectibles more sought-after than the two-way superstar.

Based on the lineups attempting to get into the Dodgers Stadium for the team's matchup against the Reds, it would be unsurprising to see a number of bobbleheads for sale online following the game.

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Shohei Ohtani has been worth the hype following his high-profile move to the Dodgers

It may seem that the excitement around Ohtani's bobblehead might be over the top, but this has been the case since the two-time American League MVP came to town. The superstar joined the Los Angeles Dodgers this offseason, signing the most lucrative contract in North American sports history with the club.

Immediately following the announcement that Ohtani was joining the Los Angeles Dodgers, murals of the star went up all over the city as fans waited for his arrival. All of the excitement has been warranted so far, as the Japanese star has been nearly unstoppable at the plate.

"Los Angeles artists remain undefeated, here are the first couple of Shohei Ohtani murals to hit the city welcoming him to the Dodgers! @never1959 @droycela gz.jr" - @DodgersNation

Prior to Thursday's matchup against the Cincinnati Reds, Ohtani has posted an incredible .364 batting average with 12 home runs, 30 RBIs, and nine stolen bases. Given the hype around the bobblehead giveaway, Shohei may look to oblige the fans in attendance on Thursday night.