The baseball card hobby boomed in the late 1980s and early 1990s, fueled by the skyrocketing values of legendary rookie cards from the 1950s. Interest began to wane in the late 90s as supply greatly outpaced demand. Many believed the golden era of sportscard investing had come to an end.

Yet a new generation of stars was emerging that would breathe fresh life into the modern card market. Players like Ken Griffey Jr., Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, and Pujols were popular both on and off the field. Their rookie cards from the early 1990s appreciated steadily and kept the hobby relevant for collectors.

By the 2000s, factors like stricter player licensing and printed card supplies getting under control set the stage for some new lucrative investments. Let’s examine some of the most valuable baseball cards produced during this decade that still hold significant value today:

2002 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks Refractors – This set featured prospects likely to be selected early in that year’s draft class, including popular names like Zack Greinke and Cliff Lee. The true blue-chipper was a shortstop named Jeter who would become the captain of the Yankees. His refractors often trade for $1,000+ in gem mint condition.

2003 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects Purple Refractor parallel – Much like the previous year, this parallel featured top draft-eligible players like Justin Verlander and Prince Fielder. But the multi-million dollar player was a 17-year old shortstop named Miguel Cabrera. His purple parallel rookie refractors can fetch $5,000 in top shape.

2003 Topps Chrome Red Refractors – The Chrome trend was in full swing in the early 2000s. Topps jumped on board with their own version featuring current big leaguers, including a thin third baseman for the Cardinals named Pujols. His red refractor is among the most coveted Pujols rookies, valued around $4,000 pristine.

2007 Bowman Sterling Prospects Refractors – This set previewed future stars like Evan Longoria, Max Scherzer, and Tim Lincecum before they made the show. But the true jackpot card was a shortstop named Trout, who many believed still had star potential despite falling in the draft. His refractor now trades for $15,000 minimum in perfect condition.

2004 Bowman Draft Chrome Refractors – Matt Cain, Justin Verlander, and Jered Weaver were among the prospects featured, but the true seven-figure card was a shortstop from California. At the time, many felt Stephen Strasburg had more hype as the top prep player. But Francisco Lindor’s refractor is now worth over $50,000 PSA 10.

2009 Topps Chrome Refractors – Players like Buster Posey and Andrew McCutchen were getting their first Topps Chrome cards, but the real blue-chip rookie was a five-tool centerfielder for the Nationals. While others like Posey and McCutchen approach $2,000 PSA 10, Harper’s refractor consistently sells for $10,000-$15,000 in pristine condition.

2006 Bowman Sterling Prospect Autographs – No cards from the 2000s gain value like the autographs from this late-2000s Bowman set. It included premiers of Clayton Kershaw, Tim Lincecum, Evan Longoria, and Max Scherzer. But David Price, who was a can’t-miss prospect at Vanderbilt, may have the most coveted auto, valued at $30,000 raw in excellent shape.

2001 Topps Chrome Cardiff Bats Refractors – This parallel featured stars like Chipper Jones and Miguel Cabrera during their early years. But perhaps the true Holy Grail is a third baseman from Houston who was just starting to emerge. Though he’s no longer with the Astros, Bagwell’s rare refractor still demands $50,000 in top grade due to his Hall of Fame career and low population.

2005 Topps Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Autographs – Notable names like Justin Upton and Jacoby Ellsbury received their first ever Topps Chrome autos in this groundbreaking set. The biggest star may have been a high school shortstop who was taken first overall in the draft. Subsequent injuries stalled his pro career, but Joe Mauer’s auto in this flagship parallel remains among the most desired 2000s rookie cards, valued at $75,000 PSA 10.

As you can see, many of the most expensive baseball cards from the 2000s featured young stars who went on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers like Pujols, Jeter, Bagwell, and Mauer. Their rookie cards from this era continued to climb in value as collectors recognized their place among the game’s all-time greats. But others like Harper, Lindor, and Trout also broke out as superstars and gave investors substantial returns on their early 2000s cardboard. With such talented players featured, it’s no wonder sets from this decade hold their value so well in the current market.