Eli White Baseball Cards Overview
Eli White has had a promising start to his MLB career since debuting with the Texas Rangers in 2020. While still early in his career, White has shown potential with his bat and glove in the outfield. As a result, collectors have started to take notice of Eli White baseball cards. In this in-depth article, we will explore Eli White’s baseball career and the growing collection of cards featuring the young outfielder.
Career Background
Eli White was drafted by the Rangers in the 6th round of the 2015 MLB June Amateur Draft out of Bryson College. He steadily climbed the minor league ranks before making his MLB debut on August 29, 2020 at the age of 26. In 2020, White slashed .243/.284/.405 with 3 home runs and 9 RBI in 24 games for Texas. He split time between center field and right field while showing off above average speed and defense.
In 2021, White became the Rangers’ primary center fielder after a strong spring training earned him the starting job. He got off to a hot start at the plate, slashing .266/.304/.438 with 5 home runs and 15 RBI through the first two months of the season. White cooled off in June and July but still finished 2021 with a .243 batting average to go along with 12 home runs and 38 RBI in 108 games. He established himself as a capable defender, posting 4 defensive runs saved in center field per Fangraphs.
Rookie Cards
As a player who made his MLB debut in 2020, Eli White has two rookie card seasons – 2020 and 2021. Some of the more notable rookie cards collectors seek include:
2020 Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractor RC #US200 – PSA 10 Gem Mint has sold for over $100. The base refractor sells for $15-20 graded.
2020 Topps Chrome Update Gold Refractor RC #USG200 – BGS 9.5 Gem Mint recently sold for $250. One of White’s scarcer rookie refractors.
2020 Topps Chrome Update Red Refractor RC #USR200 – PSA 10 Gems have sold in the $75 range. Provides a more affordable red refractor option.
2021 Topps Series 1 Base RC #377 – Low print run makes it desirable for set builders. PSA 10 recently sold for $50.
2021 Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractor RC #US200 – Like the 2020 version, the blue refractor parallels hold value. BGS 9.5 Gem recently sold for $150.
2021 Topps Chrome Update Red Refractor RC #USR200 – Another affordable red refractor option. PSA 10 sold for $40-50 graded.
Autograph Cards
Autograph cards have become popular for Eli White collectors given his prospect status. Some top autographed rookie cards to know include:
2020 Topps Chrome Update Autograph RC #USA-EW – BGS 9.5 Gem recently sold for $300. More affordable PSA 10 recently sold for $150.
2021 Topps Series 1 Autograph RC #377 – Low print run makes it a key Rangers auto card. BGS 9.5 Gem recently sold for $250.
2021 Topps Chrome Update Autograph RC #USA-EW – Continues to gain value as White’s career progresses. PSA 10 recently sold for $150.
2021 Topps Chrome Sapphire Autograph RC #USS-EW – Rare sapphire parallel auto. Only a few graded with a BGS 9.5 recently selling for $600.
2021 Bowman’s Best Autograph RC #BA-EW – Higher end product but desirable auto. BGS 9.5 Gem recently sold for $250.
Prospect Cards
Before establishing himself in the majors, White had several notable prospect cards that remain popular with collectors:
2015 Topps Draft Picks & Prospects Autograph #DPP-EW – Key 1st pro season auto. PSA 10 recently sold for $175.
2016 Bowman Chrome Prospects Refractor Auto #BCPA-60 – Iconic Bowman Chrome design. PSA 10 recently sold for $125.
2017 Bowman Chrome Prospects Refractor Auto #BCPA-60 – Continued prospect status. PSA 10 recently sold for $100.
2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects Refractor Auto #BCPA-60 – Final major prospect auto before debuting. PSA 10 recently sold for $75.
2019 Topps Chrome Prospects Refractor #TCP90 – Last true “prospect” card before joining MLB. PSA 10 recently sold for $50.
Future Outlook
Given his defensive skills and potential with the bat, Eli White looks to have a promising future as a regular in the Rangers outfield for years to come. As his career progresses, interest and values in his rookie cards from 2020-2021 will likely hold steady or increase over time as a key member of the Texas franchise. collectors would be wise to hang onto higher end parallels, refractors, and autographs that could appreciate significantly if White develops into an impact big leaguer. Even if he has ups and downs at the plate, White’s defensive prowess alone should keep him in the lineup. That longevity and production should bode well for his growing collection of baseball cards long term.
