The baseball card market sees tremendous fluctuations depending on the current popularity and performance of players. While legends from the past will always hold value, the cards that are scorching hot today are those depicting star players who are thriving on the diamond and capturing the attention of fans. Let’s take a look at some of the top baseball cards on the market right now for players who are really making their mark.
Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels: It’s hard to argue against Ohtani being the most exciting player in baseball at the moment. Not only is he one of the premier power hitters with prodigious home runs, he is also an elite starter who consistently toes the rubber every fifth day and dominates on the mound with elite stuff. His two-way talents have never been seen before in the modern MLB. Not surprisingly, his rookie cards have skyrocketed in value. His 2018 Topps Chrome rookie card has an average price tag of around $800-1000 in a PSA 10 gem mint condition. Even his base rookie cards from the same year sell for $150-200. With continued dominance on both sides of the ball, Ohtani’s star will only continue to rise, and his cards mark him as a true generational talent.
Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves: There may not be a more electric and dynamic player in MLB right now than “La Piña.” Acuña has already proven himself as one of the best all-around outfielders in the game, capable of providing huge power numbers as well as elite defense and baserunning. He’s also demonstrated strong durability by avoiding lengthy injured lists. Although he is only 24, Acuña seems a lock for Cooperstown if he can stay healthy and productive for years to come. Not surprisingly, his 2018 Topps Update Series rookie card has skyrocketed in value, fetching $200-300 for a PSA 10 copy. Even his basic 2018 Topps base rookie card trends around $75-100. With the superstar potential Acuña possesses, his card values can only grow for many years.
Juan Soto, Washington Nationals: It’s hard not to get excited about Soto’s future. At only 23 years of age, he’s already a two-time All-Star, Silver Slugger award winner, batting champion, and World Series champion. Soto has an unmatched approach and disciplined eye at the plate that allows him to work deep counts and consistently smoke balls all around the ballpark. He’s demonstrated he can produce offensively year in and year out. Soto’s 2018 Topps Update Series rookie card has gained significantly in value and now commonly sells for $225-300 in mint condition. Even his base cards from the same year have cracked the $100 mark. As he continues developing, don’t be surprised to see those Soto rookie prices start pushing $500-1000 long term.
Fernando Tatis Jr, San Diego Padres: Tatis exploded onto the scene in 2019 with a Rookie of the Year caliber season and has only gotten better since. His highlight-reel plays at shortstop and jaw-dropping home run power from the left side at such a young age have captivated fans. He’s looked every bit the franchise cornerstone the Padres expected. Tatis’ 2019 Topps Series 1 and Bowman Chrome rookie cards have exploded from the $50-100 range to now consistently selling for $300-500 mint or better. His long-term superstar potential is also fueling interest, so these Tatis rookies could push $1000-1500 down the road if he stays on this trajectory.
Wander Franco, Tampa Bay Rays: Though still in the minors, Franco is already being crowned by many as the top prospect in all of baseball. He’s done nothing but hit at every level and seems major league ready at just 20 years old. With his power/speed combo and elite bat-to-ball skills, scouts unanimously agree Franco will be a perennial All-Star. Not surprisingly, his rookie cards have seen increased collector interest. The 2020 Bowman Chrome Purple Refractor #151 sells in the $150-300 range, and some of his autograph cards hit as high as $1500 raw already. Once Franco debuts and makes his inevitable impact, these early cards could explode in value. Franco rookie cards may prove to be some of the best long-term investments in the hobby right now.
Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels: Of course, Trout merits a mention here since he continues to cement his mantle as perhaps the greatest player of this generation, producing at an elite 10+ WAR pace year after year as the game’s premier all-around threat. The three-time AL MVP shows no signs of slowing in his age 30 season. Trout’s 2009 Topps Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects rookie auto sells for about $1000-2000 in the mid-grades on average. A true Trout elite rookie in PSA 10 condition has sold for north of $15,000 many times. The supply of true Trout gems is limited, so prices should only appreciate over time. Few cards in the hobby offer more safety or upside than early Trouts.
Eloy Jiménez, Chicago White Sox: Acquired from the Cubs for José Quintana, Jiménez broke out with 31 home runs in his rookie season. He’s continued mashing with power to all fields in 2022. The 26-year-old’s elite talent, still youth, and presence on a rising Sox team have made him a collector favorite. Jiménez’s 2018 Bowman Chrome autos and base rookie cards command $150-300 on average. His cards seem poised for further growth if he maintains this trajectory into superstardom.
Gerrit Cole, New York Yankees: Signed to the Yankees’ massive long-term deal, Cole has emerged as perhaps the most dominant starter in baseball. His high-spin fastball and devastating slider make him the game’s premier strikeout arm. As the new ace of baseball’s most valuable franchise, Cole is also one of the faces of the sport. While he’s not a rookie, early Cole cards could appreciate nicely long-term based on sustained excellence. His 2011 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks auto sells in the $300-700 range on average if graded well.
Of course, the market for baseball cards is constantly fluctuating based on the current state of players’ careers and team success. Injuries or prolonged slumps could negatively impact certain values mentioned here. For star players who continue delivering like Ohtani, Acuña, Soto, Tatis, Trout and the rest, their vintage rookie cards stand to hold and increase their value exponentially in the years ahead. Smart collectors will want to snatch up affordable copies of these dominant young talents while they can.
