The year 2015 saw some truly remarkable rookie cards introduced to the hobby that have already proven to be worthy long-term investments. While it’s still early, several young stars from the 2015 baseball season have cards that are bringing top dollar and gaining valuable recognition in the collecting world. Their on-field performances have translated directly to high demand and increasing values for their inaugural trading cards. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable rookie cards from 2015.
Without question, one of the most coveted rookie cards around is Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant’s 2015 Topps Baseball base card. Considered one of the top prospects in baseball entering the season, Bryant exploded onto the MLB scene by winning the National League Rookie of the Year award and helping lead the Cubs to their first World Series title in over 100 years. The excitement surrounding Bryant and the Cubs resurgence translated to huge interest in his rookie card. In PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, Bryant’s base card now routinely sells for over $1000. Even lower grade copies in PSA 9 Near Mint-Mint condition have sold for $400-500. The card captures Bryant during a breakout rookie campaign and documents an era of Cubs success, factors that will ensure its value continues rising for years.
Another rookie third baseman who had a stellar first season was Houston Astros slugger Alex Bregman. Though he didn’t win any awards like Bryant, Bregman proved himself as a future cornerstone for the Astros with a solid .276 average, 19 homers and 69 RBI. Similar to Bryant, the top prospect hype combined with quality MLB production has driven interest in Bregman’s cards sky high. His 2015 Topps base rookie in a PSA 10 just sold for $850, a huge return for a card that retailed for under $1 when initially released. Even raw, ungraded copies in near mint condition have fetched $300-400 due to Bregman mania. As he continues developing into a perennial All-Star, expect the price tag on this coveted rookie to climb even higher.
No article about the most valuable 2015 rookie cards would be complete without discussing shortstop Carlos Correa of the Houston Astros. Coming into the season, Correa was hailed as the top prospect in all of baseball and he lived up to the billing by winning AL Rookie of the Year honors. Correa hit .279 with 22 homers and 70 RBI in his debut campaign, playing stellar defense at a premium position to cement his status as a future superstar. Not surprisingly, collectors have taken great interest in owning a piece of Correa history. PSA 10 examples of his flagship Topps base card have sold for as much as $2000, but even well-centered PSA 9 copies can bring $800-1000. Correa is just 22 years old and has already established himself as the new face of the Astros franchise. As he emerges as a perennial MVP candidate, his rookie cards stand to gain many multiples of their current high values.
Chicago White Sox left-handed starter Carlos Rodon also made huge waves in 2015, winning AL Rookie of the Year consideration behind a stellar 3.75 ERA and 169 strikeouts against just 52 walks in 173.2 innings. With fears of arm troubles swirling due to a lack of collegiate innings at North Carolina State, Rodon silenced doubters and showcased his electric four-pitch mix in the big leagues. While not on the same superstar trajectory as Correa or Bryant long-term, Rodon’s breakout rookie performance spiked collector interest in his first MLB cards. PSA 10 versions of his base Topps card were selling for nearly $500 in the immediate aftermath of the season, but have since cooled off closer to $250-300 range as prospect fatigue set in. Still, Rodon profiles as a mid-rotation workhorse and potential All-Star going forward, so this card’s collectibility stands to increase over the long haul as he delivers on his promise.
Top White Sox prospects Tim Anderson and Giolito also enjoyed brief MLB cameos in 2015 that spawned worthwhile rookie cards. As Chicago’s number one pick in 2013, shortstop Anderson had the pedigree and five-tool ability to entice collectors. While he struggled in his 11-game audition, hitting just .167, Anderson remains one of the top shortstop prospects in baseball. His 2015 Topps base RC already commands $75-100 in PSA 10. Meanwhile, hard-throwing righty Lucas Giolito was the key piece acquired from Washington in the Adam Eaton trade. Despite poor MLB numbers over 6 starts, Giolito is still considered a future ace and dominance at Triple-A in 2016 only fueled collector interest. PSA 10 versions of his Topps RC have jumped up near the $150 mark already. Both Anderson and Giolito have breakout potential that could exponentially multiply their early card values looking back years from now.
Two other impact rookies whose cards stole the spotlight in 2015 were Boston Red Sox centerfielder Mookie Betts and Los Angeles Dodgers starter Julio Urias. Betts dazzled with a .291 average, 18 HR, 21 SBs en route to AL Rookie of the Year honors. His charismatic personality and five-tool skill set to man all three outfield spots have made him a fan favorite in Boston for years to come. Betts’ flagship Topps base RC has become the new standard for Red Sox rookie cards, consistently bringing over $400 in PSA 10. Meanwhile, Urias became the youngest pitcher ever to debut in the bigs at just 19 years old. In 11 brilliant starts, the lefty logged a 3.39 ERA and 55 Ks against just 12 walks over 59.2 innings. An injury cost him the remainder of 2016, but Urias possesses true ace upside that could skyrocket his cards to the moon if he stays healthy. Already, PSA 10s of his Topps base RC hold steady around the $300 mark.
The standout rookie performers of 2015 like Bryant, Correa, Bregman and others have cemented their inaugural MLB cards amongst the most desirable and investment-worthy in the entire hobby. While short prints and memorabilia cards can offer greater profits percentage-wise, the flagship rookie cards for these cornerstone players provide a lower risk way to invest in the future of baseball with cards that will surely appreciate as their careers progress. Even for mid-tier prospects like Anderson, Giolito and Urias who have yet to fully realize their potential, their 2015 Topps base rookies can be picked up for reasonable prices today and deserve a spot in any collector’s long-term portfolio. Keep an eye on these young talents, as both on the field and in the memorabilia market, their cards appear poised for continued record-setting returns down the line.
