The baseball card market is always changing with certain cards and players becoming increasingly desirable. While legends from the past like Mickey Mantle and Babe Ruth will always hold value, today’s hottest cards feature current stars, rookies, and players experiencing breakout seasons.
Perhaps the most sought-after baseball cards right now feature Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani. The two-way Japanese phenom is garnering widespread attention for his unprecedented ability to both pitch and hit at an elite level. His rookie cards from 2017 Topps series 1 and 2 have skyrocketed in value, routinely selling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Card collectors and investors are willing to pay a premium for an early Ohtani card believing he has the potential to become one of the game’s all-time greats.
Another Angels player with major card appeal today is outfielder Mike Trout. Already considered one of the greatest to ever play, Trout’s career continues to reach new heights with every season. His 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft rookie card in pristine mint condition can demand over $10,000. Even Trout’s more common early rookie cards from Topps and Bowman series sell in the hundreds. With Trout still in his prime at age 29, collectors are speculating his career achievements may someday rival legends like Mantle and Willie Mays.
Rookie cards are always a major focus of collectors looking to discover the next big star early. 2021 saw one of the most hyped rookie classes in baseball history including Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Franco came with huge expectations as the top-ranked international prospect and has lived up to the billing. His Topps Chrome purple refractor from 2021 is already listed for over $2,000 and prices are sure to rise if Franco establishes himself as the elite player he’s projected to become.
Two other rookies generating major buzz are Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez and Detroit Tigers infielder Spencer Torkelson. Rodriguez was considered a potential top pick before slipping to the M’s and quickly established himself with impressive power and dazzling defense. His 2021 Topps Chrome autos fetch $500-1000 already. Torkelson was the number 1 overall pick in 2020’s draft as a slugging first baseman. His 2021 Topps Chrome Update auto reached $800 within months of release. Both J-Rod and Tork have all-star upside and their rookie cards could potentially multiply in value with sustained success.
Pitching prospects are also great targets for collectors looking early. Reds starter Hunter Greene is already touching triple digits with his fastball in his first MLB action in 2022. His 2021 Bowman Chrome auto sold for around $300 at release but is up to $800-1000 now. Cubs lefty Brailyn Marquez was a top international signee in 2015 and has battled injuries, but has electric stuff when on the mound. His 2016 Bowman Chrome auto resold recently at auction for $2200. If Marquez can stay healthy and fulfill his potential, that card may prove to be a bargain.
Veteran superstars changing teams can also create early card opportunities. When Freddie Freeman left the Braves for the Dodgers last offseason, the baseball world took notice. His Dodgers debut cards exploded onto the market with his 2022 Topps Series 1 auto reaching $800 shortly after release. Two-time Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom departed the Mets for Texas this winter, causing a similar frenzy around his Rangers issue cards. This offseason star movement underscores how new team affiliations can spike collector demand.
An unexpected breakout campaign can also catapult old player cards back into the spotlight. Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt is having a career year at age 34, batting over .330 through mid-July. New interest has pushed up the prices on his early Topps parallels from 2011-2013 when he was with the Diamondbacks. Similarly, Cardinals rookie Brendan Donovan has gained national attention for his versatility and clutch hitting. His 2021 Bowman Chrome auto, which sold under $100 last fall, is now listed above $500 on the secondary market.
While superstar talent will always remain blue chip baseball card investments, part of the collecting hobby’s excitement comes from predicting future All-Stars before the rest of the world recognizes their potential. Savvy collectors are constantly scouring recent releases and minor league stats for the next Shohei Ohtanis waiting to emerge. With baseball’s never-ending talent pool of young prospects rising through the ranks every year, there will always be new hot cards on the horizon for investors to consider adding to their portfolios. The buzz of the current market underscores collecting as both an enjoyable hobby and smart way to build long-term value.
