The 2008 Upper Deck baseball card set was released in April of 2008 and contained a wide variety of rookie cards, top star cards, and inserts that can hold significant value today for collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top cards from the 2008 Upper Deck set that have gained value over time.
Considered one of the top rookie cards from the 2008 Upper Deck set is Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner. Though he didn’t breakthrough as a star player until later in his career, Turner’s rookie card #181 from 2008 Upper Deck is quite valuable today. In PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, Turner’s rookie card has sold for over $300. Even in lower grades of PSA 8 or Beckett 8.5, the card still commands $50-75 due to Turner’s success he found in Los Angeles. As one of the only rookie card options for this beloved Dodger, the 2008 Upper Deck Justin Turner rookie is a must-have for any Dodgers PC.
Another expensive card from 2008 Upper Deck is Josh Hamilton #133. Even though Hamilton was already a few years into his career in 2008, his story of addiction and comeback makes him a popular collecting target. Hamilton’s 2008 Upper Deck base card in PSA 10 Gem Mint condition has topped $500 in recent sales. But even lower graded versions in the PSA 8-9 range can cost over $100. Hamilton’s success with the Rangers and as an AL MVP gives collectors reason to spend up for any of his vintage cards from his early years in the game like this 2008 Upper Deck issue.
When it comes to the true superstar rookie cards from 2008 Upper Deck, nobody touches Evan Longoria. The future Tampa Bay stalwart’s #241 rookie is one of the most expensive cards in the entire set. A PSA 10 Gem Mint Longoria rookie will demand well over $1000 on the market. But high end collectors are willing to spend even more for the perfect specimen, with one flawless rookie selling for over $2000 back in 2016. Even in lower grades, the Longo rookie holds value well over $100 even in PSA 8 condition. As one of the best third baseman of his generation, the 2008 Upper Deck Longoria rookie is a cornerstone of any MLB card PC.
Another big 2008 rookie card worth discussion is Geovany Soto’s #173 issue from Upper Deck. Though his career was short lived, Soto came out hot with an NL Rookie of the Year award in 2008. His rookie cards parallel his early success, with a BGS 9.5 or PSA 10 copy typically selling in the $150-300 range. Even lower mint state grades like a PSA 9 can be had for $50-75 based on recent sales. Soto is a rare case of an MLB card spiking early and falling off based on his declining career. But for Cub fans and investors who got in early, his 2008 Upper Deck rookie remains a strong hold.
Staying with the Cubs, 2008 Upper Deck also gave us big name veterans at the height of their careers. #78 Carlos Zambrano in particular holds great nostalgia and value, with a PSA 10 copy recently changing hands for over $500. Even beaten up raw copies can demand $50+ due to Big Z’s dominance on those late 2000s Cubs ballclubs. The $500 ceiling shows collectors’ dedication to one of the last great Chicago pitching aces before their World Series win. 2008 Upper Deck gave affordable access to Zambrano at the peak of his powers.
Two other MLB superstars that remain consistently expensive from 2008 Upper Deck are Derek Jeter #304 and Albert Pujols #112. A true gem mint Jeter can push towards $800, with most PSA 10’s settling in the $500 territory long term. Pujols is similar, with a pristine PSA 10 copy bringing over $600 with ease. Even heavily played raw versions still trade hands for $50-100 depending on the day. As surefire Hall of Famers and modern day icons, collectors will always pay up for Jeter and Pujols from their vintage years in the late 2000s/early 2010s. This 2008 Upper Deck issue satisfies fans of the superstars.
One unique 2008 Upper Deck card that stands out is #SP David Wright’s autograph rookie patch card serial numbered to only 25 copies. Even numbered so low, when a SP Wright appears on auction, it typically fetches over $1000 for this ultra short printed Mets gem. Also for the Mets, any copies of #165 Jose Reyes’ rookie in high grade like a PSA 9-10 hold steady around $75-150 long term due to his peak years dominating in Queens. Wright and Reyes remain beloved Mets franchise figures, making their 2008 Upper Deck rookies prime PC cards.
The 2008 Upper Deck baseball set 12 years later houses many cards that have proven to significantly gain value for MLB collectors. Rookies of future stars like Longoria and solid veterans like Jeter and Pujols anchor the set’s appeal. With low print serial cards also hiding hits, 2008 Upper Deck remains a prime yearly set to investigate for hidden gems and mainstay collections. For those who can find pristine 10 grade gems of the biggest names, prices can exceed $1000 long term.
