Mike Trout has established himself as one of the greatest baseball players of all time in his relatively short career so far. As a result, Trout’s rookie cards and career accomplishments have made his baseball cards extremely valuable for collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at some of Mike Trout’s most prized cards and how his dominance on the field has translated to huge card values.
Trout burst onto the MLB scene in 2011 with the Los Angeles Angels and immediately began shattering records and expectations. His rookie card debut came in 2012 Topps Series 1 and Series 2. While production numbers on these were high given his breakout rookie year, the condition and serial number of a Trout rookie drastically impacts its price. In a PSA 10 gem mint condition, the 2012 Topps Series 1 Trout rookie has sold for well over $10,000. Even lower graded versions still command thousands because of Trout’s superstar status.
The huge increase in value of Trout’s cards has been driven by his unprecedented combination of power, speed, defense, and consistency at such a young age. At just 30 years old, Trout has already racked up an MVP award, 8 All Star appearances, and two AL Hank Aaron awards. He’s posted a career OPS well over 1.000 and is on pace to break numerous all-time MLB records. With no signs of slowing down, the prices for Trout’s early career cards, like his rookies, have steadily risen year after year.
Part of the allure of Trout cards is tracking his evolution from hugely hyped rookie to undisputed best player in baseball. 2012 Panini Golden Age Platinum rookie patch autograph parallels number to just 5 copies and have reached over $50,000 in auction. Trout’s 2013 Topps Update #TU-13 card number parallel to 13 copies holds a record at $28,800. Perhaps most notably, Trout’s 2014 Topps Update Series #US299 career statistics checklist variation numbers only 1 copy in existence and set a record in 2016 at $86,688 on eBay. Tracking the ever increasing statistics on the back of this 1/1 card as Trout destroys records is a huge factor in its immense value.
While the lowest print runs and serial numbered parallels hold records, even Trout’s base rookie cards in top grades have reached astronomical heights. His 2012 Bowman Sterling #BS-MT base rookie reached $51,120 for a PSA 10 in 2020, proving demand for all things Trout remains mind bogglingly high. The 2012 Topps Opening Day #OD-MT base set the record that same year even higher at $65,250. Collectors are willing to pay top dollar simply to own any certified mint condition piece of Trout’s career in card form.
A true testament to Trout’s popularity and legend has been his multiple Topps Update cards spanning from his debut to present day. While production numbers increased over the years, his rising statistics and accomplishments skyrocketed values of each Update card release. Low serial # parallels remain out of reach for most, but even PSA 10 base copies consistently rank among the priciest Update issue cards on the market year over year. Some estimates say Trout Update base cards from 2013-2015 in mint condition average $1,000-$2,000 a piece at minimum.
Trout playing his entire decorated career so far with the Angels has also made team-specific cards highly important to collectors. 2012 Topps Finest Los Angeles Angels #FA-MT Orange Refractor parallels number to just 5 and sold for $40,000. But even base Angels roster cards like 2016 Donruss Optic #93 consistently fetch hundreds in high grades due to Trout’s presence boosting values. Regionally, his 2011 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects Orange Refractor Auto Parallel /25 holds the Angels record at $28,800. Any card firmly establishing Trout as an Angel superstar parallels demand while supplies dwindle.
As we look ahead to the approaching end of Trout’s already Hall of Fame caliber career, it’s difficult to imagine the prices his rare cards may someday reach in the future. Even with years left, he’s achieved so much that his early cards today are viewed as some of the most historically significant in the modern game. Trout’s above average physique also bodes well for him staying healthy enough to continue smashing milestones. As long as he plays at his otherworldly level into his 30’s, interest and prices for his entire card collection will likely remain on an upwards trajectory for decades to come. Simply put, Mike Trout cards of any variety are a sound investment for any budget given his standing as perhaps the best all around player ever.
