The 2020 Leaf Draft Baseball card set offers collectors and investors an opportunity to get in early on prospects from the most recent MLB First-Year Player Draft. While these rookie cards hold significant long-term potential, discerning which players will pan out and achieve star status is difficult in the short term. Let’s take an in-depth look at several notable cards from the 2020 Leaf Draft set and discuss estimates of their current values.

One of the biggest names and highest valued cards from the 2020 Leaf Draft set is Spencer Torkelson. Taken first overall by the Detroit Tigers, Torkelson was considered by many to be the top college bat available in the draft. His baseball card is among the most sought after by collectors, with PSA 10 Gem Mint examples recently selling in the $150-$200 range. As the likely future Tigers first baseman/DH, Torkelson is positioned very well long term to be a perennial All-Star and potential franchise player. If he develops as expected, his rookie cards could appreciate significantly in the years ahead.

Another 2020 first rounder whose Leaf Draft rookie card holds strong value is Asa Lacy, taken fourth overall by the Kansas City Royals. Considered a true ace atop many draft boards, Lacy falling to fourth was great luck for KC. With future ace potential, especially given the Royals need for arms, Lacy’s rookie card sells in the $75-$100 range for a PSA 10. His combination of terrific stuff and projection playing in an AL Central with modest home run parks bode extremely well for Lacy making an impact at the MLB level. Like Torkelson, his long-term potential makes this a solid investment card.

While the top couple picks’ cards remain relatively pricey, there are still plenty of investments to be had lower in the first round from the 2020 Leaf Draft set. Arkansas high school shortstop Nick Loftin, taken 17th by the Boston Red Sox, is a potential five-tool player who could carve out an everyday role in the big leagues. His rookie card isn’t as hyped but still sells in the $30-$40 PSA 10 range. Another later first round selection with breakout upside is North Carolina high school OF Robert Hassell III, taken 8th by the Padres. With power/speed potential and a friendly home ballpark, Hassell offers big league regular or better potential and his PSA 10 goes for around $25-35 already.

There are also plenty of value plays to be had in the later rounds of the 2020 Leaf Draft set at even more affordable prices. Tennessee righty Chad Dallas, selected in round 4 by the Dodgers, throws three potential plus pitches and could develop into a mid-rotation starter. His PSA 10 sells around $15. Indiana high school shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., nabbed 2nd overall in 2019 but falling to round 2 due to signability concerns, has untapped five-tool ability and the Royals drafting him provides an easy route to the majors. Even so, his PSA 10 can be had around $10-12—a bargain for his potential.

Heading into the lower rounds, affordable long-shot prospects start entering the discussion. Vanderbilt RHP Kumar Rocker, a potential top-5 pick who slid to round 10 due to signability and medical concerns, could flourish as a late bloomer and his PSA 10 sells around $7-9. Notre Dame outfielder Ryan Cole, chosen in round 11, has huge raw power potential and plus speed and might max out his tools with regular at-bats. His PSA 10 sells in the $5-7 range, offering lottery ticket risk/reward. Even deeper lies potential steals like Ohio high school outfielder J.C. Flowers, a toolsy athlete drafted in round 20 by the Giants. A true boom-or-bust prospect, Flowers’ PSA 10 can be had for $2-3.

While 2019 and 2020 MLB rookie cards from the Leaf Draft set hold much longer-term potential, there are numerous player choices from across the draft rounds offering reasonable odds of gaining value sooner than later. Following prospects’ development paths will be key for discerning the next stars from role players. By selecting the right talents across investment tiers, collectors can build a strategically balanced portfolio well-positioned to appreciate. With patience and luck, holdings from this set could pay strong long-term dividends for savvy speculators.