The 2000 Topps baseball card set marked the beginning of a new millennium for the sport. While not one of the most iconic or memorable Topps releases, it does feature some cards that have grown substantially in value over the past two decades. The dawn of a new century spurred collectors to snap up rookie cards of future stars as investments. Let’s take a look at the 10 most valuable cards from the 2000 Topps set as values have climbed sky high for several of these gems.
Derek Jeter (#328) – Jeter was already a 5-time All-Star and 5-time World Series champion by 2000 but remained a popular hobby figure. His rookie season was over a half-decade past by 2000 but collectors held onto his cards. Lightly played PSA 10 copies currently sell for around $80-100 while solid PSA 8s fetch $30-40. An iconic Yankee and surefire Hall of Famer, Jeter’s cards from the late 90s/2000s have good popping power.
Eric Gagne (#581) – The dominant Dodgers closer exploded onto the scene in 2002 by setting the single-season saves record with 55. Despite being just a rookie in 2000, collectors saw his potential. PSA 10s sell in the $100 range with PSA 8s bringing $40-60 due to his pinstriped success. Injuries derailed his career but Gagne flashes as an elite hobby specimen from this set.
Carlos Beltran (#640) – One of the game’s purest all-around talents, Beltran was a force from 1998-2007. While injuries slowed him down later, his early rookie years made him a sought-after investor target. PSA 10s bring $120-150 with solid PSA 8s at $50-70. A consistent 20+ homer, 20+ steal threat annually, Beltran proved a wise spec even as a rookie in 2000.
Adrian Gonzalez (#698) – Still active when cracking this list, Gonzalez established himself as one of baseball’s most consistent sluggers. Rookie cards like his 2000 Topps pack Appeal and pop. Graded PSA 10s reach $150-200 nowadays with healthy demand for mint examples of this inaugural Gonzalez issue. He smashed over 300 homers, driving his early cards like this one to enhanced collector interest.
Alfonso Soriano (#741) – Soriano exploded with the Nationals in 2006 by hitting 46 homers with 41 steals. While injury-prone, his prodigious power/speed combo made him a factor throughout his career. His 2000 Topps rookie is a cherished spec pick, with PSA 10s commanding $175-250 in today’s conditions. Even discounted PSA 8s pull $75-100 due to Soriano’s electric all-around talents when on the field.
Nomar Garciaparra (#388) – A career shortened by injuries, Nomar charmed collectors throughout the 1990s as the Red Sox shortstop. By 2000 high-grade versions of his cards carried immense value due to his superstar status. Graded PSA 10s exceed $250 consistently on the market with even PSA 9s reaching $150-200 figures now. A true franchise player look for Boston until injuries intervened, Nomar pops in any collection.
Vladimir Guerrero (#708) – The “Vladimir Guerrero 2000 Topps Rookie Card” lives on as a true icon of the set and era. PSA 10s bring an astonishing $400-500 nowadays due to Vlad’s Hall of Fame talents. He mashed over 400 homers while playing Gold Glove defense in right, mint versions retain immense desirability. Even PSA 9 copies sell for $200-300 figures in recognition of Guerrero’s brilliance.
Andruw Jones (#461) – Jones emerged as arguably baseball’s best all-around center fielder from the late 90s through 2005. His incredibly tools translated to prodigious cards despite still being a rookie in 2000. High-end PSA 10s bring $500-700 today while mint PSA 9s reach the $300-400 territory. Perhaps no other player demonstrates the power of early cards like Jones’ from this timeframe.
Joe Mauer (#329) – Recently inducted into Cooperstown, Mauer proved the complete package as catcher, first baseman, and hitter. His rookie campaign started a terrific career for the hometown Twins. Graded 2000 Topps PSA 10s continuously command $800-1000 in today’s conditions such was the immediate hype around Mauer. Even sharp PSA 9s still bring in $400-600 sums. An iconic modern rookie to own for collectors.
Albert Pujols (#709) – Widely considered the greatest right-handed hitter of all-time, “El Hombre” emerged as a superstar from day one. His 2000 Topps rookie perfectly captures the magic of his arrival and rocketed hobby prices skyward. Pristine PSA 10 copies easily break $1500-2000 depending on auction activity. But even top-graded PSA 9s maintain amazing $800-1200 value levels in recognition of Pujols’ total package. The true crown jewel of the entire 2000 set and one of the iconic rookie cards across hobby history.
While not the flashiest release year from Topps, the 2000 set provided a look at future all-time greats like Pujols, Guerrero, Mauer and Jones. For discerning collectors and investors, their rookie cards from this particular checklist remain treasure troves of potential. Getting high-grade versions of these 10 biggest stars shaped early 21st century baseball for years to come. Two decades later they spark tremendous collectible passion and solid returns for hobby supporters.
