Baseball cards have been an iconic part of America’s pastime for over 150 years. Collecting and trading cards has been a beloved hobby by both young and old for generations. While legendary stars of past eras still hold immense value, card collectors are always on the lookout for the next big stars just starting their careers. These rookie cards offer a chance to get in early on players before they potentially breakout and their cards appreciate greatly in value. Here are some of the hottest baseball rookie cards on the market right now as collectors speculate on future superstars.
Wander Franco, Tampa Bay Rays (2020 Bowman Chrome Blue Refractor AUTO RC /99) – Widely considered the top prospect in all of baseball, Franco made his MLB debut in 2021 at just 20 years old. In 70 games, he slashed .288/.347/.462 with 7 home runs. Scouts rave about his potent bat and elite hitting abilities at a young age. Franco is looked at as a future perennial all-star and potential franchise cornerstone. As such, his coveted rookie cards from 2020 Bowman Chrome are highly sought after, especially the ultra-rare blue refractor autograph version limited to just 99 copies. These already fetch prices well over $1,000 with tremendous upside as Franco continues to develop.
Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers (2021 Bowman Chrome Green Auto RC /99) – As the number one overall pick in 2020 out of Arizona State, Torkelson has immense expectations on his shoulders after posting video game numbers in the minors. With a beautiful lefty swing and plus power from both sides of the plate, he looks ready to be an impact bat for the Tigers. His 2021 Bowman Chrome rookie cards, especially the coveted green auto refractor limited to 99 copies, are top prospects for collectors demanding well over $500 currently. If Torkelson lives up to his hype, these could multiply in value exponentially making them an enticing lottery ticket.
Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners (2021 Bowman Chrome Green Auto RC /99) – A consensus top 10 prospect entering last season, Rodriguez put himself more firmly on the map in 2021 by slugging over .500 between Double and Triple-A. Blessed with 5-tool talent and incredible athleticism, he now looks like Seattle’s next star outfielder. Just like Torkelson, Rodriguez’s green auto refractor rookie cards from 2021 Bowman Chrome are limited to 99 and in high demand from speculators gambling on his future success. Prices are also elevated in the $500+ range recognizing Rodriguez’s immense ceiling.
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles (2021 Bowman Chrome Auto RC) – As the top pick in 2019 and a switch-hitting catcher with power and elite defense, Rutschman has all the markings of a perennial all-star and future franchise cornerstone for Baltimore. He struggled initially in his MLB debut but looks to find his footing in 2022 and beyond. Collectors are pouncing on any of Rutschman’s prized rookie cards from 2021 Bowman Chrome, including the base auto, which can still fetch $250-350 with potential for far greater growth if he blossoms as anticipated.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (2021 Bowman Chrome Auto RC) – The second overall pick in 2019 has rocketed through the minors with his tantalizing combo of five-tools. He made his long awaited MLB debut in 2022 and got off to a torrid start, showcasing why many scouts believe he’ll be a perennial all-star. Witt Jr.’s 2021 Bowman Chrome RC autos continue to be hot sellers at $200-300 as collectors hope he blossoms into the next big star in Kansas City. That price tag offers intriguing upside investment for those forecasting Witt Jr. as a future superstar.
Riley Greene, Detroit Tigers (2021 Bowman Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto RC /150) – Regarded as one of the top hitting prospects in baseball and Detroit’s centerpiece, Greene made his debut in 2021 after starring in the minors. He’s still young at just 22 but looks primed to develop into a corner outfield force for the Tigers in the coming years. The ultra-rare rainbow foil auto from his 2021 Bowman Chrome rookie cards, of which there are only 150 in existence, have become mega-whales fetching thousands of dollars from enthusiastic collectors.
Jarred Kelenic, Seattle Mariners (2021 Topps Chrome Refractor Auto RC /250) – Once a consensus top-5 prospect, Kelenic’s star has dimmed some after early MLB struggles. At just 23, there’s still plenty of time for him to put it all together and tap into his estimated potential. As such, speculators remain keen on Kelenic’s 2021 Topps Chrome refractor autos limited to 250 copies that can still be acquired for $150-250 – offering risk but also immense reward if he rebounds to become Seattle’s latest star.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates (2021 Bowman Chrome Green Auto RC /99) – Possessing perhaps the single best physical tools of any prospect, from his 6’7 frame to blistering 100+ mph throwing arm, Cruz demands attention. The 23-year old switch hitter made his debut in 2022 and has tantalized with his prodigious power. Collectors pay up for any of his rare 2021 Bowman Chrome parallels like the green auto refractors, of which only 99 exist, at $400-500 and up in hopes Cruz realizes his astronomical ceiling.
Brennan Davis, Chicago Cubs (2021 Bowman Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto RC /150) – A consensus top-100 prospect with a balanced skill-set and corner outfield profile, Davis made his MLB debut in 2022 after destroying Triple-A pitching. Still just 22, most scouts believe his best years are ahead of him in Chicago. Finding one of his scarce 2021 Bowman Chrome rainbow foil auto RCs, numbering only 150 copies, offers a highly sought after lottery ticket given Davis’ promising future. Prices have ascended towards $500 and beyond as buzz grows around the Cubs young slugger.
While legends of the past will always hold immense nostalgic value, today’s collectors are increasingly scouring the latest rookie card classes for a chance to get in early on the next generation of baseball superstars. Franco, Torkelson, Rodriguez, Rutschman, Witt Jr., Greene, Cruz and Davis represent some of the most tantalizing prospects on that front, with their ultra-rare parallels from 2021 Bowman Chrome serving as highly coveted speculative investments today that could payoff immensely if any of these youngsters reach their prodigious potentials in the years to come.
