The 2020 Topps baseball card season produced some tremendous rookie cards and parallels that are already proving to be among the most valuable modern issues. While it’s still relatively early, several young stars and short printed inserts from Series 1 and Update Series are commanding big prices on the secondary market. From gold vinyl parallels to prized rookies of future Hall of Famers, here are some of the most coveted 2020 Topps cards that collectors are seeking.
Perhaps the single most valuable 2020 Topps card is the gold vinyl parallel of Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout from Series 1. Trout remains arguably the best player in baseball and consistently has some of the most desirable cards in the hobby. His gold vinyl /50 parallel quickly became a highly sought after chase card for Angels and Trout collectors. With his trademark smile and action shot, coupled with the ultra-short print run, PSA 10 gold vinyl Trout rookies have already broke the $10,000 price barrier. Many still consider Trout the face of the modern card game, so this parallel captures lightning in a bottle for value.
Staying in Los Angeles, outfielder Mookie Betts joined the Dodgers in 2020 after winning a World Series with Boston. Betts’ rookie cards immediately took on new significance for Dodger collectors. His gold vinyl parallel from Series 1 #/50 has proven equally as valuable as Trout’s, with high-grade examples bringing $8,000-10,000. That price point is stunning considering Betts is not a true rookie in the set. But between his elite talent and new Dodgers fanbase, the gold vinyl Betts rookie has become a major ticket item from the flagship release.
Speaking of new homes, superstar third baseman Anthony Rendon signed a massive deal with the Angels after starring for Washington. Like Betts, Rendon’s rookie cards from his original team took on new appeal. His ultra-short print gold vinyl parallel #/50 has surfaced as one of the true big ticket cards among traded veterans. High-grade Rendon gold vinyl rookies have achieved upwards of $6,000 due to the print run and his new star status with Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani in Anaheim.
On the rookie side, Los Angeles Dodgers lefty Julio Urias has one of the premier young star cards in the set. Despite being just 24 years old, Urias is already a veteran of five MLB seasons. But collectors still consider his main Topps rookie from the 2016 issue. As a result, his gold vinyl parallel #/50 is highly sought. While not quite at the Trout/Betts/Rendon level, PSA 10 Urias gold vinyl rookies have routinely passed $4,000. With continued improvement on the mound, Urias’ star could continue to rise in the years ahead.
While the gold parallels headline the set for value, several key rookies have also emerged as big early success stories for 2020 Topps. Perhaps most impressive is Miami Marlins righty Sixto Sanchez, who made a splash in his debut season. Sanchez dazzled with elite stuff in limited action, adding to the hype from a prospect pedigree. As a result, even his base rookie card holds huge momentum. Higher grades have already achieved over $1,000 and remain a popular PC card for rookie collectors. If Sanchez continues developing, this could end up one of the true blue-chip rookies from the year.
On a similar trajectory is San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. While not technically a rookie after playing in 2019, Tatis exploded as a superstar in the shortened 2020 campaign. He showcased electrifying power and defense that had many tagging him as a budding face of the game. As a result, his Topps base rookie holds tremendous momentum. PSA 10s have recently traded hands above $750 and should only trend higher if Tatis kicks on as an MVP threat. He’s arguably the hottest young position player in the game and thus a core 2020 rookie to hold.
Staying in San Diego, Padres slugging third baseman Manny Machado also showed out in 2020 after signing his mega $300 million contract. While not a rookie, his first Topps card with San Diego took on greater significance. The short printed Sepia parallel #/175 became an early blockbuster. Graded gems have surpassed $600 and remain a hot Patches/parallels piece for any Machado or Padres PC. At just 28 years old, Machado seems poised for continued superstardom to keep this parallel valued.
Shifting to pitchers, Cincinnati Reds ace Trevor Bauer had a career year after being traded from Cleveland. The quirky righty parlayed that success into a MLB-best 1.73 ERA during the shortened campaign. As a result, his Topps base rookie from 2011 has found new life. PSA 10 examples have recently achieved over $500 as Bauer mania took hold in the collector market following his breakout. If he can sustain this elite form, his classic rookie remains a strong speculation piece.
Among the truest rookies from Topps Update Series, a pair of hyped young hurlers have emerged at the front of the 2020 class – Chicago White Sox lefty Garrett Crochet and Philadelphia Phillies flamethrower Spencer Howard. Crochet showed wicked mid-90s heat and a dirty slider as a high-profile first rounder last year. Update Series rookie PSA 10s have consistently topped $300. Meanwhile, Howard dazzled in his late season debut after years of prospect hype. His Update rookie also commands $300+ for top grades as one of the most desired recent Phillies young arm cards. Both remain early candidates to see their values truly pop if they establish themselves as frontline starters going forward.
In terms of true superstar full rookies, San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr.’s base card has emerged as perhaps the most coveted of the year. After an electric breakout campaign where he battled for the NL batting title, Tatis Jr. seemed poised for superstardom. As a result, even his common Topps base rookie holds strong momentum. PSA 10’s have been achieved the $500 price point and beyond due to his elite talent and tantalizing long-term franchise player upside in San Diego. He remains arguably the single hottest modern position player card on the market and a true blue-chip rookie for 2020 Topps.
While the 2020 season remains in progress, several parallels and rookies have already proven themselves as formative issues for the modern market. From superstar veterans like Trout to electric rookies like Tatis Jr., Topps 2020 delivered cards that hold immense potential long-term. With continued success on the field, many of these pivotal rookies, prospects and short prints could become true blue-chip modern classics in the years ahead.
