The 2019 Topps baseball card set saw the introduction of many new rookie cards and variations that have already started to gain value in the collectibles marketplace. As with any new release, it will take time for the true gems to emerge and appreciated, but there are already several 2019 Topps cards that are worth a premium for savvy collectors.
One of the biggest storylines of the 2019 MLB season was the dominance of Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander. After being traded from the Detroit Tigers in 2017, Verlander led the Astros to a World Series title that year and has been one of the most consistent aces in baseball. His 2019 season was one of the best of his career, culminating in his second career Cy Young award. Not surprisingly, his main 2019 Topps base card and variations have already started to climb in value given his on-field performance and status as a future Hall of Famer. The standard Verlander base card can be found for $10-15, while his Topps Chrome and paper refractor variations have sold in the $25-50 range. As Verlander continues pitching at an elite level, these cards stand to gain even more value in the long run.
Another 2019 breakout star was San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr, who immediately made an impact in his rookie season with his combination of power, speed and highlight-reel defensive plays. The son of the former MLB infielder, Tatis Jr captured the attention and imagination of fans nationwide. His main Topps base rookie card has become one of the most sought-after cards from the 2019 set, routinely selling in the $40-60 range on the secondary market. Even higher-end serial numbered parallels and autograph cards have sold for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. With his potential superstardom and as a key building block for the Padres, Tatis Jr’s rookie cards are seen as a can’t-miss long term investment for collectors.
The success of rookie cards is also dependent on the player actually panning out in their career. One of the biggest rookie question marks from 2019 Topps was Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe. After a strong debut late in the 2018 season, expectations were high for Lowe in 2019. He struggled with injuries and inconsistency, batting only .233 with 17 home runs over 97 games. As a result, his main Topps rookie card has settled in at the $5-10 range, with more premium parallels in the $15-30 range. If Lowe can put together a healthy 2020 and regain his prospect status, these cards may bounce back in value. But for now, they represent more of a gamble compared to the sure things like Tatis Jr.
Veteran stars who switched teams in 2019 also saw an uptick in their card values after proving their worth on new squads. One example is Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon. After breaking out with career years in 2018 and 2019 with the Nationals, Rendon signed a massive free agent deal with the Los Angeles Angels in the offseason. This new context has increased interest in his 2019 Topps Nationals cards, with the base card selling between $15-25 and parallels reaching $40-60. Another is Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler, who left the New York Mets to sign a $118 million contract. His 2019 Mets cards have at least doubled in value, with the base around $15-20 and refractors $30-50 due to his newfound status as a staff ace.
While the above cards focus on stars and prospects, savvy collectors know to also target key performing veterans with a chance of postseason glory. St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt had a phenomenal 2019 season, batting .260 with 34 home runs and 97 RBI to lead the Cards to the National League Central title. As a seasoned star still in his prime, Goldschmidt’s 2019 Topps base card holds steady value at $10-15 but his Chrome and paper refractors have increased to $25-40 given the Cardinals’ championship aspirations. Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr also continues to gain notoriety for his all-around excellence on a perennial contender. Even his 2019 Topps update series cards, which were released after his stellar rookie campaign, have risen from a few dollars to $10-15 for the base.
While the above cards highlight individual standouts, savvy collectors also look to team-centric cards that could gain long term value from postseason success. The Houston Astros were the best team in the American League in 2019 and have a stockpile of young talent, so cards like their Topps team set and autographs hold steady appeal. On the National League side, the Los Angeles Dodgers have made back-to-back World Series but come up short – their 2019 team and star cards like Cody Bellinger remain buys in hopes a title elevates them further. Even if those teams don’t win it all, cards from other 2019 playoff squads like the St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals have upside from deep October runs.
The 2019 Topps baseball release was packed with exciting rookies, fluctuations in player value, and championship contenders – all factors that create volatility in the collectibles market. While it’s still early, cards from breakout stars Fernando Tatis Jr and Justin Verlander are already paying off. Meanwhile, performers on playoff-caliber clubs like Goldschmidt, Acuna and the Astros maintain appeal. For long term investors, targeting the sport’s true superstars and teams with title potential in 2019 Topps is a savvy strategy. With each new season, the hidden gems and storylines will continue emerging from this vibrant release.
