The 2016 MLB season saw several promising young players make their debuts at the major league level. These rookie players generated a lot of excitement from fans and collectors alike. Here is an overview of some of the top rookie cards from the 2016 baseball season:
Corey Seager (Dodgers): The #1 overall pick from the 2012 draft, Seager cemented himself as the Dodgers’ starting shortstop in 2016. He hit .308 with 26 home runs and 72 RBIs, finishing third in the Rookie of the Year voting. Some of Seager’s top rookie cards from 2016 include his Topps base card, Topps Chrome refractor parallel, and Topps Update debut card. Many consider Seager one of the top prospects to come along in years and his cards have risen in value significantly since his stellar rookie campaign.
Alex Bregman (Astros): After being selected 2nd overall in the 2015 draft, Bregman got his first extended taste of MLB action in 2016. Playing third base for the Astros, he batted .265 with 19 homers and 69 RBIs in 122 games. Bregman remains one of the bright young stars in Houston’s system. His Topps Chrome Autograph Refractor parallel and Bowman Chrome Autograph cards from 2016 have been some of the most sought after on the rookie card market.
Yoan Moncada (White Sox): Acquired from the Red Sox in the Chris Sale trade, Moncada was one of the top international prospects ever. After starting the year in Triple-A, Moncada made his MLB debut in August 2016. In 25 games with Chicago, he hit .234 with 1 home run. Moncada’s electric tools and pedigree have made his 2016 Bowman Chrome Autograph Refractor one of the hottest rookie cards selling today.
Gary Sanchez (Yankees): Coming almost out of nowhere, Sanchez exploded onto the scene in 2016 as the Yankees’ everyday catcher. He batted .299 with 20 home runs and 42 RBIs in just 53 games, winning the AL Rookie of the Year award. Sanchez’ surprising success has catapulted his 2016 Topps base card value into the stratosphere. Other top Sanchez rookie cards include his Topps Update debut and Topps Chrome Autograph Refractor.
Nomar Mazara (Rangers): Coming into his own in his second MLB season in 2016, Mazara batted .266 with 20 home runs and 77 RBIs while manning right field for Texas. The young outfielder’s sweet swing projects him to be a middle-of-the-order run producer for years. Some top Mazara rookie cards from 2016 include his Topps and Topps Chrome base issues as well as some of his serial numbered refractors and parallels.
Michael Fulmer (Tigers): Detroit’s Rookie of the Year in 2016, Fulmer posted an 11-7 record with a 3.06 ERA across 29 starts (159 innings). Combining excellent control with an effective arsenal, Fulmer established himself as a quality mid-rotation innings eater for the Tigers. His Topps Update Red Refractor parallel and Topps Chrome Autograph refractor have become highly sought after rookie cards.
Kris Bryant (Cubs): While not truly a rookie, Bryant continued his rise with a stellar 2016 season after winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2015. He batted .292 with 29 homers and 73 RBIs and led the Cubs to their first World Series title since 1908. Bryant’s sustained success has kept his 2015 Bowman Chrome Autograph Refractor and Topps Chrome Update Refractor among the elite modern baseball rookie cards.
Andrew Benintendi (Red Sox): Benintendi tore through the minors in 2016 after being drafted 7th overall the previous year. He earned a September call-up with Boston and impressed by batting .295 in 21 games. Projected as a future top-of-the-order All-Star type, Benintendi’s stock is high. His 2016 Bowman Chrome Autographs and Chrome Update Red Refractor remain hotly sought after by collectors.
A.J. Reed (Astros): An Astros first round pick in 2014, Reed batted .292 with 22 home runs and 79 RBIs split between Double-A and Triple-A in 2016. Though he only received a September cup of coffee with Houston, Reed is expected to join Bregman in the middle of the Astros order soon. His 2014 Bowman Chrome Autograph Refractor is one of the premier rookie cards among Astros prospects.
Trea Turner (Nationals): Acquired from the Padres in a pre-deadline trade, Turner played shortstop for Washington down the stretch after starting the year in Triple-A. He hit .342 in 47 games, flashing elite speed and contact skills. Though not yet a full-time starter, Turner’s 2015 Bowman Chrome Autograph Refractors are some of the highest valued Nationals rookie cards on the market today.
The depth of talent that broke into the majors in 2016 has translated to a robust market for that year’s top rookie cards. As players like Seager, Bregman, Sanchez and Fulmer continue establishing themselves as core MLB stars, expect values of their rookie issues to climb higher in the coming years. The 2016 class may ultimately prove to be one of the best in recent memory from an on-field and collectibles standpoint.
