The 2020 MLB season saw many top prospects make their debuts and have impressive rookie campaigns despite the shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the season was atypical, several rookies stood out and their rookie cards have already begun appreciating in value. Here are some of the best rookie cards from the 2020 season to consider adding to your baseball card collection.
Luis Robert (Chicago White Sox) – The 23-year old Cuban outfielder lived up to the hype in his first season with the White Sox. Robert slashed .338/.376/.646 with 11 home runs and 31 RBI in only 311 at-bats. He finished second in AL ROY voting and looks like a perennial all-star. Robert’s most coveted rookie card is likely his Topps Chrome Refractor #132, which has already crossed the $100 threshold on the secondary market. His Topps base rookie is also in high demand, selling for around $50-75 graded. As one of the top prospects in baseball, Robert’s star will continue to rise and his cards should steadily appreciate over time.
Jared Kelenic (Seattle Mariners) – After being one of the biggest prospects in the Mets system, Kelenic was the centerpiece in the infamous Robinson Cano/Diaz trade. The 21-year old outfielder only received a September cup of coffee in 2020, but displayed enticing tools and a powerful left-handed swing. Kelenic has a beautiful swing mechanics that are pleasing to collectors. His Topps Chrome Cyan Refractor #148 is one of the more valuable rookie cards from 2020 at $75-100 already. Kelenic has star potential andhis cards will be hot sellers as he rises through the Mariners system.
Devin Williams (Milwaukee Brewers) – As a late blooming reliever, the 26-year old Williams emerged out of nowhere to dominate MLB hitters in 2020. He struck out an astonishing 53 batters versus only 4 walks in just 27 innings pitched. Williams finished fourth in NL ROY voting and collected the NL Reliever of the Year award. His Topps base rookie card trades for around $15-25 graded, while the Topps Chrome Refractor #127 fetches $50-75. As a late bloomer with rookie status, Williams’ cards present an opportunity for growth.
Ryan Mountcastle (Baltimore Orioles) – After being drafted in the 1st round in 2015, Mountcastle made his MLB debut in 2020 at age 23. The lefty swinging first baseman/outfielder proved he was big league ready by slashing .333/.391/.492 with 5 home runs in only 84 at-bats. Mountcastle looks like a franchise cornerstone and his Bowman Chrome Sapphire Parallel #BCP84 autograph card has already crossed the $100 mark. As a rising star on a rebuilding Orioles team, Mountcastle’s cards have plenty of room for appreciation.
Garrett Crochet (Chicago White Sox) – The 21st overall pick in 2020, Crochet was one of the few drafted players to make his MLB debut that same year. The imposing left-handed reliever showed unhittable stuff, striking out 14 batters in just 6.1 innings pitched as a rookie. At 6’6 with a 100 mph heater, Crochet possesses the makeup of a future closer. His Topps Chrome Sapphire Refractor #SCR25 autograph is highly coveted at $200-300 already. As one of the most physically intriguing prospects to debut in 2020, Crochet’s cards are excellent long term holdings.
Triston McKenzie (Cleveland Indians) – A player who had been in player development limbo since being drafted in 2015, McKenzie finally stuck in the majors as a 23-year old in 2020. The lanky righty pitcher showed poise and swing-and-miss stuff, striking out 42 batters in just 30.2 innings with a 3.24 ERA. McKenzie’s long awaited debut generated buzz around his cards. The Topps Chrome Refractor #72 has increased to $50 raw on the secondary market. With patience, McKenzie has mid-rotation starter potential and his prices could multiply.
Sixto Sanchez (Miami Marlins) – The hardest throwing pitcher to debut in 2020, Sanchez excited collectors with his electric stuff. Despite a short 12.2 inning sample, the 22-year old Dominican flummoxed hitters with a 58.3% ground ball rate. His 5.40 ERA was inflated from extreme home run luck. Sanchez’s prospect pedigree and triple-digit fastball ensure his Topps base RC and Topps Chrome Refractor #SCR2 autograph remain hot tickets at $25-40 already. With more seasoning, Sanchez has true ace upside.
Dakota Hudson (St. Louis Cardinals) – As one of the few pitchers with multiple seasons already under his belt, the 26-year old Hudson cemented himself as a reliable mid-rotation starter in 2020. He posted a 3.35 ERA and 1.21 WHIP over 11 starts despite pitching in the NL Central. Hudson’s performance gave his initial 2018 Topps Chrome Refractor RC newfound value, settling around the $25-30 mark. As a proven MLB starter, Hudson’s cards remain annual holds amid the Cardinals’ contention.
Casey Mize (Detroit Tigers) – The number one overall pick of the 2018 draft, big expectations followed the 23-year old Mize into his rookie season. Though used sparingly with only 7 starts, the 6’3 righty demonstrated premium stuff and command that excited prospect hounds. His impeccably centered 2018 Bowman Chrome Green Refractor Auto /50 jumped to $300 – an incredible return on a $120 box pull from two years ago. As the future ace of the Tigers rebuilding efforts, Mize’s star will only ascend further.
On the whole, despite interruptions from COVID-19, several impactful position players and pitchers debuted in the shortened 2020 MLB season. Robert, Kelenic, Mountcastle, Crochet and Sanchez look to be long term franchise cornerstones, while McKenzie, Hudson and Mize all showed ability to contribute to contending teams annually. Cards from breakout players like Williams also present lower risk opportunities. With rookies like Robert, Kelenic and Mountcastle already appreciating sharply, 2020 still managed to produce many rookie cards ripe for growth over the coming years as these young stars develop.
