The vintage baseball card market continues to heat up as interest in the hobby grows. While legendary rookie cards from the 1950s remain out of reach for most collectors, there are still plenty of exciting modern and vintage cards that can be obtained. With the 2023 season approaching, here are some of the best baseball cards to target for your collection this year.
Shohei Ohtani, 2021 Topps Chrome Refractor Auto (#/150) – As one of the most unique two-way talents in MLB history, Ohtani’s star power and on-field production have made his rookie cards some of the hottest commodities. His 2021 Topps Chrome Refractor Auto parallel remains one of his most coveted rookie year cards due to the low print run and flashy refractor design. Graded gem mint 10 examples have already crested over $1000, showing no signs of slowing down. Ohtani remains one of the faces of baseball and any of his high-end rookie cards make for great long-term holdings.
Juan Soto, 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor (#/150) – Since bursting onto the scene as a 19-year-old in 2018, Soto has established himself as one of the game’s best young hitters. His 2018 Bowman Chrome rookie cards, featuring the then-Nationals prospect, are some of the most sought after on the modern market. The prospect auto refractor parallel offers a stunning refractor design and low print run, making it extremely scarce in high grades. With Soto still just 24 years old and poised for many more All-Star seasons, his rookie cards should retain and gain value for years to come.
Ronald Acuña Jr., 2018 Topps Chrome Refractor Auto (#/250) – Acuña exploded as one of baseball’s brightest young stars in his rookie season of 2018 and hasn’t slowed down since. While injury cut his 2022 season short, when healthy he remains one of the most electrifying players in the game. His 2018 Topps Chrome Refractor Auto parallel offers a sharp design and low print run. High-grade examples still trade hands for $1000-2000, showing the lasting appeal of Acuña’s star-studded rookie season. With the talent and production to compete for MVP awards for over a decade still ahead, Acuña’s cards carry strong long-term potential.
Wander Franco, 2021 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor (#/150) – Considered a “once in a generation” type prospect, Franco became the youngest player ever to hit safely in his first career four games at just 20 years old. His prospect cards from 2021 Bowman are the hottest Rays rookie cards ever. The prospect auto refractor parallel offers the lowest print run and best design from his rookie set. Franco has all the tools to be a perennial All-Star and his cards could appreciate tremendously if he fulfills his lofty potential long-term in Tampa Bay. Even graded examples under $1000 still offer great upside.
Mike Trout, 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks Refractor Auto (#/250) – As arguably the greatest player of his generation, Trout’s early cards are some of the most iconic and valuable in the hobby. While his true rookie cards from 2009 Bowman are out of reach for most collectors pricewise, the Draft Picks Refractor Auto parallel offers Trout’s signature and a sharp refractor design at a more affordable price point. Lightly graded examples can still be found under $1000 and with Trout still in his prime at 31, there’s no telling how much higher his early cards could climb as he closes in on the 3,000 hit and 700 home run milestones.
Jacob deGrom, 2010 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor (#/150) – deGrom burst onto the scene in 2014 and has established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation when healthy, winning two Cy Young awards. While injuries limited him to just 15 starts in 2022, when on the mound few can match his stuff. His 2010 Bowman Chrome prospect issue remains one of his most iconic rookie cards. The prospect auto refractor offers his signature and a sharp refractor parallel at the lowest print run of 150 copies. With deGrom still just 34, if he can regain top form his early cards could appreciate significantly.
Fernando Tatis Jr., 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor (#/150) – Tatis exploded onto the scene with a monster 2019 campaign and has established himself as one of the most exciting young stars in baseball. While injuries and suspension have slowed his progress the last two seasons, when on the field few are as electrifying. His 2016 Bowman Chrome prospect issue introduced Tatis as one of baseball’s best prospects. The prospect auto refractor offers arguably the best design from his rookie years. With Tatis still just 23, if he can stay healthy long-term his early cards hold massive potential as a true five-tool superstar.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor (#/150) – Following in his Hall of Fame father’s footsteps, Guerrero broke out in 2021 and has proven himself as an elite hitter in the AL East. While some durability concerns linger, offensively few can match his prowess at the plate. His 2018 Bowman Chrome prospect issue remains the hottest card from his early Blue Jays years. The prospect auto refractor offers the lowest print run and his signature. With Guerrero still just 23, he could develop into a true superstar slugger for years to come in Toronto.
Ronald Acuña Jr., 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor (#/150) – While his 2018 Topps Chrome rookie cards get more attention, Acuña’s 2018 Bowman Chrome prospect issue offers arguably the best design from his early years. The prospect auto refractor parallel features his signature on the sharp Bowman Chrome stock at an extremely low print run of just 150 copies. With Acuña’s five-tool talents and superstar upside, his early cards hold tremendous long-term potential as a core piece of any collection. Even in lower grades, examples can still be acquired for under $1000 with room to appreciate.
While vintage icons from the 1950s will always be the holy grails, there are still plenty of affordable modern and vintage stars to target. Rookie cards and early prospect issues from talents like Ohtani, Soto, Acuña, Franco, Trout, deGrom, Tatis Jr., Guerrero Jr. and more offer historically low prices and strong upside as these players continue etching their legacies. With another exciting MLB season on the horizon, 2023 shapes up to be a great time to build positions in some of the game’s brightest young stars through their rookie cards before they take their proper place among the all-time greats.
