Baseball cards have long been a popular collectible for both casual fans and serious investors alike. While vintage cards from the early 20th century tend to carry enormous price tags, there is still plenty of excitement to be found in collecting the rookie cards of today’s emerging stars. These rookie cards represent a player’s first appearance in a major league card set and are often the most scarce and desirable versions of a player. If you’re looking to start or expand your baseball card collection, here are some of the top rookie cards to target from recent years that could provide long-term appreciation.
Shohei Ohtani 2018 Topps Baseball Card (#91)
Shohei Ohtani burst onto the MLB scene in 2018 with one of the most unique and impressive debuts in history as a two-way player who was both an elite pitcher and power hitter. His rare two-way abilities generated enormous hype and interest from fans and collectors. Ohtani’s 2018 Topps card remains one of the most coveted modern rookie cards. Despite several reprints across various sets, the original Topps rookie remains quite scarce in high grades. As one of the faces of MLB both in Japan and worldwide, Ohtani’s star power and playing career point to his rookie card as a solid long-term hold. Even relatively low graded copies still fetch hundreds of dollars due to strong demand.
Fernando Tatis Jr. 2019 Topps Baseball Card (#210)
Like Ohtani, Fernando Tatis Jr. took MLB by storm with his electrifying play from day one. Playing with flair and swagger, Tatis quickly became a fan favorite on a rising Padres franchise. His combination of five-tool talent, youth, and marketability give his rookie cards strong potential. While cheaper than Ohtani currently, Tatis’ 2019 Topps rookie should only increase in value as he continues cementing himself as a true superstar. This card has seen explosive price growth in the past year alone. With Tatis locked up long-term in San Diego, his rookie looks like a sure-fire candidate to join the shortlist of baseball’s most valuable modern cards.
Pete Alonso 2018 Topps Baseball Card (#312)
As the reigning MLB home run champion and 2019 National League Rookie of the Year, Pete Alonso emerged as one of baseball’s brightest young stars for the New York Mets. Launching 53 home runs in his rookie campaign immediately thrust Alonso into the spotlight. His 2018 Topps Chrome Update rookie refractor parallel (#US300) quickly became one of the most sought-after. Despite several print runs since, this prized parallel remains one of the scarcest and most highly regarded modern rookies. Alonso’s prodigious power and popularity in a huge New York market make this modern rookie a sound investment.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 2019 Topps Baseball Card (#71)
Considered one of the top prospects in baseball history, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. more than lived up to the hype in his rookie season with the Toronto Blue Jays. Following in the hall of fame footsteps of his father Vladimir Sr., Vlad Jr. quickly became must-see TV with his effortless left-handed power stroke. His 2019 Topps Series 1 card became one of the most recognized and collected modern rookies. While supplies remain relatively plentiful compared to other cards on this list, Vlad Jr.’s royal bloodlines, precocious talent, and marketable stardom give his rookie strong long term growth potential.
Ronald Acuña Jr. 2018 Topps Baseball Card (#139)
Two seasons into his MLB career, Ronald Acuña Jr. has cemented himself as one of the game’s brightest talents and one of baseball’s most exciting young stars. Acuña broke out with a Rookie of the Year caliber season in 2018 and hasn’t slowed down since. In a market flooded with modern stars, Acuña’s rookie cards still command a premium. His silver signature parallel cards have eclipsed $1000 raw while graded examples run even higher. Acuña looks like he’ll be wowing Braves fans and collectors for years to come, making his 2018 Topps rookie cards a steady riser for patient portfolios.
Juan Soto 2018 Topps Baseball Card (#231)
Juan Soto debuted with the Washington Nationals at just 19 years old in 2018 and immediately began mashing, batting .292 with 22 home runs and 70 RBI while finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting. From the start, Soto demonstrated an advanced approach and launch angle oriented power stroke well beyond his years. With the Nationals pursuing a long-term deal to lock him up, Soto’s 2018 Topps Update rookie refractor parallel (#US200) is poised to cement itself as one of the elite modern rookie gems. Like Tatis and Acuña, Soto’s electrifying talent combined with his youth point to this rookie emerging as an iconic longtime holding.
Wander Franco 2019 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto Red Refractor (#1/5)
While still in the minors, Wander Franco is already one of the most coveted prospects in recent memory and a consensus top 10 talent. The teenage infielder has electrified scouts with a complete game that suggests perennial all-star potential. Franco’s uber-rare 2019 Bowman Chrome Prospects auto red refractor parallel can fetch over $10,000 raw. With an anticipated 2022 debut, Franco’s prospect pedigree sets the stage for this parallel to define the market for the next generation of rookie cards once his career takes off in Tampa Bay. Even unsigned versions remain pricy investments due to the immense hype surrounding this potential future phenom.
Jasson Dominguez 2019 Bowman Paper #157
17-year-old outfielder Jasson Dominguez signed with the Yankees for over $5 million in 2019 and immediately became one of the most heralded international prospects in years. Dubbed “The Martian” for his otherworldly tools, Dominguez has drawn comparisons to Mike Trout with his rare blend of speed, power, and defensive abilities. Although he has yet to play above rookie ball, even base Dominguez rookies command huge premiums thanks to his enormous ceiling. As Dominguez rises up the Yankee farm system and builds his professional resume, his earliest cards represent one of the most intriguing prospect long shots in the hobby today.
By targeting the rookie cards of today’s brightest emerging MLB talents, avid collectors have the opportunity to build the foundations of their collections around cards of players who are destined for stardom and legendary career accolades. While short-term fluctuations are always possible, investing in top rookies from this current generation of young phenoms like Ohtani, Tatis Jr., Vladdy Jr., and others positions portfolios for strong long-term appreciation as these players continue wowing fans and cementing their legacies in Cooperstown. With patience, today’s exciting prospects and burgeoning stars have great potential to become tomorrow’s most prized vintage cards.
