The MLB prospect market continues to be one of the strongest segments in baseball card collecting. Young stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Ronald Acuña Jr., and Juan Soto made their debuts in recent years, living up to tremendous hype that started in their prospect card days.
While no prospect is a guarantee, savvy collectors know finding the right young talent pre-debut and holding onto their cards can yield big returns if that player blossoms into a star. Let’s take a look at some of the hottest prospects on the trading card scene right now whose rookie cards could pay big dividends down the line.
Wander Franco, SS, Tampa Bay Rays (Bowman Chrome Prospect Parallel)- Widely considered the top prospect in all of baseball, Franco has done nothing in his nascent minor league career to dissuade that notion. Scouts rave about his bat speed, hitting ability, and combination of power and average. His 2018 Bowman Chrome autos and parallels like the prestigious purple refractor (#/150) are some of the most sought-after prospects on the market right now. Franco could make his big league debut as early as 2021 and looks destined for superstardom.
Jo Adell, OF, L.A. Angels (Topps Chrome Sapphire Parallel)- A consensus top 10 prospect, Adell has massive power potential to go with above average speed. He made his MLB debut in 2020 but is still looking to stick in the show long-term. His 2018 Topps Chrome Sapphire parallel (#/250) is a beauty and with continued refinement, scouts feel Adell has perennial All-Star talent. He could be a rare five-tool player and breakout star on the West Coast.
MacKenzie Gore, LHP, San Diego Padres (Topps Chrome)- Widely regarded as the top left-handed pitching prospect in baseball, Gore has just about every pitch you could want in an ace. He struck out over 200 batters in 2018 across two minor league levels and looks like he may stick as a starter long-term, unlike many hard-throwing young arms. Gore’s autographed rookie cards from 2018 Topps Chrome could look like real bargains from just a couple years ago if he reaches his full potential.
Brendan McKay, LHP/1B, Tampa Bay Rays (Bowman Chrome)- A two-way star in college, McKay has the unique ability to both start and play first base in the big leagues. In the minors, he’s shown plus command, a deep arsenal on the mound, and extra-base power at the plate. McKay is also left-handed, which always raises the intrigue level. His 2018 Bowman Chrome prospects are a fascinating long-term hold, as McKay could develop into a rare two-way performer.
Nolan Gorman, 3B, St. Louis Cardinals (Topps Chrome Sapphire)- Already showing prodigious power in the minors, Gorman has 40+ home run potential as he matures. The left-handed batter has a smooth swing and strong wrists that create impressive bat speed. Gorman comes with some swing-and-miss concerns, but if he can make enough contact, the home runs will come in bunches. His 2018 Topps Chrome Sapphire parallel could turn out to be a steal.
Adley Rutschman, C, Baltimore Orioles (Bowman Chrome)- Ranked by many as the top catching prospect in baseball, Rutschman has all the tools to be an elite defender behind the plate with above average game-calling ability. But what really separates him is his above average hitting as well, with some projecting him as a .300 hitter with 15-20 home runs annually. As a catcher capable of such an offensive profile, Rutschman is a true unicorn. His 2019 Bowman Chrome cards represent perhaps the safest prospect bet right now.
Luis Robert, OF, Chicago White Sox (Bowman Chrome)- Already in the White Sox organization, Robert is considered close to MLB-ready and could push for playing time in 2020. He has five-tool talent with top-of-the-scale raw power and elite speed. Robert profiles as a true difference maker capable of 25+ home runs and 30+ stolen bases annually. As he knocks on the door of the bigs, Robert’s prospect cards have nowhere to go but up in value.
Gavin Lux, 2B/SS, Los Angeles Dodgers (Bowman Chrome)- Hitting his way through the Dodgers system, Lux made his MLB debut in 2019 and looks ready to lock down second base for the foreseeable future in LA. While not possessing standout tools, Lux is a polished hitter with surprising pop in his bat for a middle infielder. He could put up a .300 batting average with 15-20 home runs annually in Dodger Stadium. Lux’s prospect cards are priced reasonably but look like a bargain for such a complete young player.
Dylan Carlson, OF, St. Louis Cardinals (Topps Chrome Sapphire)- While not breaking out in prodigious power just yet, Carlson possesses impressive all-around hitting ability and plus defense in the outfield. He has a patient approach at the plate and knows how to use the whole field. While not necessarily a star in the making, Carlson profiles as a multi-tool player capable of batting .280 with 10-15 home runs, 10-15 stolen bases, and Gold Glove caliber defense annually. That’s an extremely valuable asset, and his cards could start surging as he gets closer to the majors.
Michael Kopech, RHP, Chicago White Sox (Toppschrome)- Originally in the Red Sox system, Kopech possesses some of the best raw stuff in the minors with a 100 mph fastball and a nasty slider. Issues with control and consistency have slowed his development, but the White Sox still view him as a future starter. If Kopech can harness that electric stuff and gain better command, he has true ace potential and game-changing strikeout stuff. His prospect cards have taken hits but could deliver big returns in a breakout.
This covers just some of the headliner prospects whose cards are worth investing in. There are several other depth prospects like Nate Pearson, Jesus Luzardo, Ke’Bryan Hayes, and Esteury Ruiz that could emerge as core players too. With the money involved in today’s game, teams are pushing top prospects hard. Some will no doubt fail to fulfill expectations. But if collectors can correctly pick future stars from this bumper crop of talent, their prospect cards stand to gain immense value as their future greatness unfolds at the MLB level. The MLB prospect card market remains as exciting as ever.
