The 2014 Major League Baseball season was highlighted by the emergence of many promising young stars. Not surprisingly, Topps captured some of these rising talents in their baseball card releases for that year. 2014 Topps Baseball was a landmark set featuring the debut cards of talented rookie class that included future All-Stars and award winners.
Some of the top rookie cards from 2014 Topps Baseball included:
Xander Bogaerts, Boston Red Sox: Bogaerts was one of the most hyped prospects in baseball and did not disappoint in his first full MLB season in 2014. He hit .320 with 13 home runs and 73 RBI, finishing third in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. Bogaerts’ rookie card from 2014 Topps is highly sought after by collectors.
George Springer, Houston Astros: As the #1 overall pick in the 2011 draft, Springer had huge expectations and lived up to them in 2014. He slugged 23 home runs in just 97 games and won the AL Rookie of the Year award. Springer’s rookie card value has steadily increased in recent years as he has developed into a star for the Astros.
Kolten Wong, St. Louis Cardinals: Wong debuted in 2013 but 2014 was his first full season and Topps rookie card. He established himself as the everyday second baseman for the Cardinals and helped lead them to the playoffs. Wong’s defense was outstanding and he hit for a decent average making his rookie card a popular hold.
Jonathan Schoop, Baltimore Orioles: Schoop took over as the Orioles’ starting second baseman in 2014 and never looked back. He hit .209 but demonstrated his impressive power with 16 home runs in just 102 games. Schoop’s rookie card holders predicted his offensive breakout in following years.
Jameson Taillon, Pittsburgh Pirates: Injuries delayed Taillon’s debut to 2016 but he was one of the top pitching prospects in 2014. His Topps rookie card remains highly valuable for collectors anticipating his arrival as the Pirates’ future ace. Taillon has since fulfilled his promise but arm issues have limited his career.
Michael Wacha, St. Louis Cardinals: Wacha was the 2013 NLCS MVP in his first MLB season but his 2014 Topps card was still his rookie issue. He solidified himself as a Cardinal stalwart and his card was popular with collectors of the winning franchise and many who saw him as a future ace.
Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies: Nola was drafted 7th overall in 2014 out of LSU and excelled in the minors before debuting late that season. His potential and pedigree made his Topps rookie card very desirable within the entire class. Nola has since established himself as the Phillies’ ace in recent years.
Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs: Bryant only played in 27 games in 2014 due to service time manipulation but that did not stop his rookie card from being the most coveted in the entire set. Nearly everyone recognized his immense talent and predicted future superstardom. Bryant’s card value exploded after he won NL Rookie of the Year and MVP in 2015.
Noah Syndergaard, New York Mets: “Thor” was developing into a frontline starter but did not debut until 2015. Still, his overpowering stuff and excellent minor league stats made his 2014 Topps RC highly bought and traded. Syndergaard has lived up to the hype with All-Star appearances and nearly won a Cy Young Award.
Carlos Rodon, Chicago White Sox: The #3 overall pick in the 2014 draft, Rodon rose quickly and made the Sox’ rotation in 2015. Even with just a September cup of coffee in 2014, his prospect pedigree pushed his rookie card to the upper echelon among collectors. Rodon has settled in as a solid starter when healthy.
2014 Topps Baseball was also notable for capturing star players’ rookie cards right before their breakouts, including Yoenis Cespedes, Joc Pederson, Devon Travis, Francisco Lindor and others. The set overall highlighted an impressive rookie class that helped shape the future of MLB for years to come. Many of these rookies starred on postseason contenders as well, boosting interest in their cards. Prices for high-end 2014 Topps rookies like Bogaerts, Springer and Bryant reached record highs in recent years. The set endures as one of Topps’ most recognized issues and is prized by both investors and fans of individual players.
