The 1998 baseball card season marked the height of the baseball card boom of the 1990s. While many cards from ’98 hold little value today outside of die-hard collectors, there are always standouts that have increased tremendously in price due to rarity, player accomplishments after the year, or other notable factors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top 1998 baseball cards that could be worth money today if in good condition.
Perhaps the most famous card from the class of ’98 rookie crop is the Topps Chrome Refractor parallel of Cubs phenom Sammy Sosa. Sosa would go on to smash the single-season home run record just a few years later in 1998 alongside Mark McGwire, captivating the nation. Only 50 of Sosa’s Chrome rookies were printed, making it one of the rarest modern cards on the market. High-grade PSA 10 examples have sold for over $20,000, with raw copies fetching $5,000+ depending on centering and corners. While still quite expensive, it’s considered one of the more attainable big money cards from the year.
Another home run chasing star whose rookie became highly valuable was Yankees slugger Jason Giambi. Giambi smashed 52 home runs in 2000 to take home AL MVP honors. His 1998 Upper Deck SP Authentic #174 rookie parallel printing plate is the only known example in existence. In 2018, it sold for a staggering $18,816 in a PWCC auction. Even regular Giambi rookies command over $100 now in top condition due to his memorable career.
Rookies of future Hall of Famers often rise in value as well. Red Sox ace Pedro Martinez tossed one of the greatest single seasons for a pitcher ever in 1999 when he went 23-4 with a 2.07 ERA and 313 strikeouts. His ’98 Topps traded and SP Authentic rookies have quadrupled in price since his induction in 2015, with PSA 10 Topps tradeds now pushing $300. While not quite the rarity of Sosa or Giambi, Martinez rookies remain a sound long term investment.
Another rookie who saw later success was Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw. The young lefty struggled early going 9-5 with a 4.17 ERA his first season of ’08. He would completely dominate the next decade, winning three Cy Young awards and leading the league in ERA five times. PSA 10 copies of his 2008 Topps Chrome Draft Picks parallel rookie are now assessed at over $800 thanks to his legendary career. With Kershaw still pitching well, these could keep climbing.
While the aforementioned stars had great careers after 1998, cards can also appreciate due to untimely passings. Perhaps no tragedy rocked the baseball world harder than the death of Indians pitcher Herb Score in a car accident in 2008 at the young age of 64. Score was already a hot commodity in the late 1950s by becoming the youngest All-Star at just 21 years old. His ’58 Topps rookie sold for $25,000 in 2012. Unsurprisingly, his high-grade 1998 Fleer Tradition #336 rookie parallel has jumped to near $400 in the decade since his passing as a reminder of his impressive early career.
condition and numbered parallel variation. One such rarity is 1998 SP Authentic Future Stars #FS-RJ rookie jersey parallel of Twins prospect and future All-Star Torii Hunter. Only 10 were inserted in packs that year, and it has since become one of the toughest cards in the prestigious SP Authentic brand to acquire in top condition. Hunter would play until 2015 and make five All-Star teams in a great career. A PSA 10 example sold in 2019 for a lofty $25,000, showing strong lasting demand for one-of-one types of cards from the 90s boom era.
Moving to 1998 autograph cards, one of the best investments remains a non-traditional baseball signee – NBA legend Michael Jordan. After unexpectedly retiring from basketball the first time, Jordan attempted a short minor league baseball stint in 1994 with the White Sox Double-A affiliate. Although unsuccessful, his signing garnered massive interest at the time. A Jordan ’98 Upper Deck Vintage #MT10 autograph parallel still holds tremendous pop due to the rarity factor and staying power of his name. Graded PSA/DNA gems have been sold for nearly $10,000, with raw versions typically around half that amount.
In summarizing 1998 cards that could be worth money, focus on chasing rookies of future Hall of Famers or stars who greatly exceeded expectations after the year. Also consider autographs from cultural icons like Michael Jordan, which have proven to appreciate very well over decades. Condition is key, so only consider high-grade examples to maximize returns long-term. With some top 1998 cards already eclipsing five figures, those profiled here provide a solid foundation for building a collection with strong potential to gain significant value if held for many years.
