The hobby of collecting baseball cards has surged in popularity in recent years, with the demand and prices for rare, valuable vintage cards reaching record highs. As we enter the 2022 season, there are certain modern rookie cards and star player cards that collectors are aggressively pursuing. Some of the hottest baseball cards on the market right now include:
Shohei Ohtani 2021 Topps Chrome Refractor Auto RC (ROOKIE CARD): As one of the most unique and talented players in the game today, Shohei Ohtani’s rookie cards from 2021 Topps products have exploded in value. The Topps Chrome Refractor auto is highly sought after by collectors thanks to its colorful refractor design and on-card autograph. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples have sold for over $10,000, making this one of the most expensive modern rookie cards out there. Ohtani’s dual pitching/hitting abilities and 2021 AL MVP season have created huge hype around his rookie cards.
Juan Soto 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC: Juan Soto quickly became one of baseball’s best young hitters after debuting as a 19-year-old in 2018. His early Bowman rookie cards, especially the high-end autographed refractors, are some of the hottest modern rookie investments. Fresh off a 2021 World Series title with the Nationals, the 23-year-old Soto is already a perennial MVP candidate. PSA 10 examples of his 2018 Bowman Chrome Auto RC have sold for upwards of $5,000, with prices projected to continually rise as Soto cements his superstar status.
Wander Franco 2020 Topps Chrome Green Auto RC: Considered a can’t-miss prospect, Wander Franco lived up to the hype by debuting in 2021 at age 20 and winning AL Rookie of the Year honors. The Rays shortstop’s first Topps Chrome card, featuring his on-card auto in green parallel form, is one of the new hot rookie investments. With his 5-tool ability and AL East franchise to build around, Franco is poised for stardom – making his freshman cards all the more desirable. Pristine PSA 10 copies have already topped $2,000 in secondary market sales.
Ronald Acuña Jr. 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC: Before injuries derailed his 2021 season, Ronald Acuña Jr. was cementing himself as one of the premier five-tool talents in MLB. His breakout 2018 rookie campaign made cards from his early Bowman sets highly desirable. The autographed refractor parallel remains extremely scarce and holds immense long-term potential as “Roña” re-establishes himself as an MVP frontrunner. A PSA 10 sold for an impressive $18,000 back in 2020.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 2018 Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor Auto RC: Following in his Hall of Fame father’s footsteps, Vlad Jr. developed into an elite slugger from the left side of the plate. While injury slowed his 2022, collectors knew he would hit from the moment he debuted in 2019. His first Topps Chrome auto refractor in the eye-catching yellow parallel signifies his incoming superstardom for the Blue Jays. Only the most pristine examples grade a lucrative PSA 10, selling for $4,000+.
Mike Trout 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto RC: Widely considered the greatest active player, Trout’s humble beginnings are preserved in his Bowman rookie cards from 2009. The autographed Chrome version remains one of the true Holy Grails for any collector. Even 13 years after the fact, PSA 10 examples command prices north of $20,000 due to Trout’s sustained greatness and star power for the Angels. Few other cards exemplify a long-term, safe investment like Trout’s rookie.
Fernando Tatis Jr. 2019 Topps Chrome Photo Variation RC: Dynamic San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. exploded onto the scene in 2019, launching moonshots and sprawling defense-turning plays that made him an instant fan favorite. While injured for much of 2022, his star shined bright enough to make his Topps Chrome Photo Variation RC an elite modern card. Only the most pristine PSA 10 grade sell for $3,000 and up due to Tatis’ awe-inspiring talent and youth.
Bo Bichette 2020 Topps Chrome Auto RC: The son of former big leaguer Dante Bichette, Bo emerged as a batting champion caliber player for the powerhouse Blue Jays. Still only 24 in the prime of his career, Bichette’s on-card 2020 Topps Chrome autographed rookie is highly sought after. Pristine PSA 10 copies have reached an impressive $2,000 in recent secondary market sales. Bo’s 5-tool abilities and MLB pedigree make this a strong long-term investment card.
Bryce Harper 2009 Bowman Sterling Auto RC: One of the most hyped prospects ever, Harper lived up to fame by winning NL MVP in 2015 at age 22. Nearly 15 years later, the now Philly Phillies staple remains must-have for collectors. His fragile yet desired Bowman Sterling on-card auto rookie from 2009 is a true historical piece, with ungraded copies selling for $5,000+ and pristine PSA 10s reaching astronomical sums north of $30,000.
While veterans like Trout and young stars like Ohtani and Acuña will always hold cachet, the hottest modern rookie cards on the trading block reveal which new talents have truly captured the collector community’s imagination. Investing in elite prospects like Franco and Adell before they debut can yield high long-term returns if they blossom into full-fledged superstars. Focusing on premium parallels, autographs and impeccable grading will maximize any baseball card investment’s chances of appreciating profoundly over the long run.
