The 2015 baseball season saw rising stars make their debuts and legendary players continue chasing milestones. This created several rising rookies and key veteran cardboard that holds value in today’s collectibles market. While 2016 Topps Update Bryce Harper remains the crown jewel of the year, many other 2015 issues showcase budding talents and career achievements worth discussing.
Leading the way for rookies is Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant. The 2015 National League Rookie of the Year winner made his MLB debut in 2015 after being called up from Triple-A in late April. Bryant immediately impressed fans with his powerful left-handed swing and stellar defense at the hot corner. His legendary rookie season makes any of his 2015 cards quite collectible. Low serial numbered parallels and autographs of Bryant from sets like Topps, Bowman, and Panini are among the most desireable and hold strong long-term value.
Another top rookie to watch is Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson. Like Bryant, Pederson got the call to the show in 2015 and showcased 20 home run power with excellent speed. His cards remain affordable but with ever-improving skills, Pederson could develop into a true star and send his 2015s up in value. Look for shiny parallels, autographs, and particularly short print cards to gain the most in the years ahead.
Continuing with the theme of young sluggers, New York Mets phenom Michael Conforto had a memorable rookie campaign in 2015. Conforto blasted 27 home runs in just 121 games to finish third in NL Rookie of the Year voting. The left-handed hitter became an instant fan favorite, making his early cardboard collectible for Mets devotees and those who saw his raw talent. Like the others, low serial parallels and autographs hold the greatest long-term potential.
Pitchers also made impacts as rookies in 2015, headlined by Chicago White Sox lefty Carlos Rodon. The third overall pick in the 2014 draft overmatchedhitters with a mid-90s fastball and nasty slider as a 21-year-old. Rodon flashed ace potential which creates added incentive to hold his rookie cards. As he develops further, look for Rodon’s autographed and short print cards from premium brands to gain considerable traction.
While rookies drove excitement from up-and-coming teams, veterans continued chasing some of baseball’s most hallowed records. Chief among them was 42-year-old Detroit Tigers legend Miguel Cabrera. Already a two-time AL MVP and Triple Crown winner, Cabrera closed in on the 500 home run and 3000 hit milestones in 2015. Any cards from the season capturing these achievements gain notoriety and value. Numbered parallels and autographs showing Cabrera’s march through history provide long-lasting collectibility.
Another future Hall of Famer chasing records in 2015 was Adam Wainwright of the St. Louis Cardinals. Wainwright cycled through rehab from Tommy John surgery in an attempt to rejoin the Cardinals’ rotation for a playoff run. If he had succeeded in returning to the mound, any Wainwright cards from the end of 2015 after his rehab would chronicling his comeback and represent an important moment for the longtime staff ace. Though as is, his cards remain notable for collectors following the milestones.
No discussion of milestone chases in 2015 would be complete without mentioning Ichiro Suzuki. Playing for the Miami Marlins and New York Yankees, Ichiro amassed over 250 hits in the season to career 4000 total, only the 30th player ever to reach that pinnacle. 2015 was also his age 41 season where he showed few signs of slowing down. Any Ichiro cardboard from late in the season and postseason runs with the two teams hold added notoriety and collectibility.
While rookies and veterans saw new heights, tragedy also struck in baseball in 2015. On October 11th, Los Angeles Dodgers infielder and franchise pillar Jimmy Rollins’ wife was involved in a murder-suicide perpetrated by her former NFL player boyfriend. This sent shockwaves through the Dodgers clubhouse. Any Jimmy Rollins Dodgers cards from late in the 2015 season or timing around this event carry somber significance for collectors.
The 2015 season featured breakout talents, steady producers chasing records, and unexpected tragedy – all of which create pockets of desirable and valuable cardboard even six years later. By focusing on star rookies, milestone chasers, and situationally important veterans, savvy collectors can build a 2015 baseball collection rich with potential for long term appreciation and allure within the broader hobby. Understanding the stories behind the cards is critical to identifying those pieces from the year still worth money in today’s collection marketplace.
