The 2019 baseball season saw the emergence of many talented rookie players who are poised to have bright futures in Major League Baseball. These new stars created plenty of excitement for collectors and their rookie cards became highly sought after. With so many great rookies, it can be difficult to determine which 2019 rookie cards hold the most value and have the best investment potential long term. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the top rookie cards from last season that collectors should keep an eye on.
Perhaps the most hyped rookie of 2019 was Pete Alonso of the New York Mets. Coming off a dominant season in the minors where he smashed 36 home runs, expectations were high for Alonso in his first MLB campaign. He exceeded all expectations by blasting an incredible 53 home runs to set a new rookie record. Alonso’s prodigious power made him an instant star and the face of the Mets franchise. Not surprisingly, his 2019 Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card #RC-P has become one of the most sought after cards on the market. Graded mint condition copies have already sold for over $1,000, showing how beloved Alonso is already among collectors. His Topps flagship rookie is also highly valuable due to the brand name. As Alonso’s career progresses, these cards stand to gain even more value if he continues mashing home runs at his current pace.
Another slugging rookie who made headlines in 2019 was Eloy Jimenez of the Chicago White Sox. Jimenez showed off impressive power with 31 home runs in his first full season. While he may not have broken any records like Alonso, Jimenez has all the tools to be a perennial All-Star. His 2019 Topps Chrome Refractor rookie #RC-EJ is a favorite among collectors and has sold for $500-800 in top grades. Jimenez also has a prized Bowman Chrome Prospect card from 2018 that is regarded as one of the best modern prospect cards on the market. His combination of raw talent and marketability in a big city like Chicago point to Jimenez having a bright future, making his rookie cards solid long term investments.
Fernando Tatis Jr. burst onto the scene with the San Diego Padres in 2019, showcasing elite skills both at the plate and in the field at just 20 years old. Tatis immediately became a fan favorite in San Diego with his swagger and highlight reel plays. He finished third in NL Rookie of the Year voting after slashing .317/.379/.590 with 22 home runs in just 84 games. Tatis’ 2019 Topps Chrome Refractor rookie #RC-FT is highly sought after by collectors and has sold for over $300 in near-mint condition. His prospect cards from 2017 Bowman also hold value due to his status as one of the game’s top young stars. Tatis has superstar potential and collecting his rookie cards now could pay major dividends down the road.
While position players tend to get more attention, starting pitchers can also make for valuable rookie cards. One such arm is Chris Paddack of the San Diego Padres. Paddack made his presence known in 2019 by posting an impressive 3.33 ERA and 0.98 WHIP across 26 starts in his rookie campaign. His control and pitching savvy were on full display. The 23-year old righty has established himself as the ace of the Padres staff heading into 2020. His 2019 Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card #RC-CP sells in the $150 range and has room to increase if Paddack continues delivering as a frontline starter. As one of the few impact rookie pitchers from last season, his cards hold appeal.
Another rookie hurler who showed promise was Bryan Garcia of the Philadelphia Phillies. Garcia made his MLB debut at age 25 in 2019 after working his way up from independent ball. He impressed in his brief time in the majors with a 2.62 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 12 appearances. While Garcia is a bit older than the typical top prospect, his journey adds to his story. Collectors have taken a liking to his 2019 Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card #RC-BG which sells for $50-75 in top condition. Garcia may not have the long term upside of others on this list, but his card could rise if he solidifies a spot in the Phillies bullpen or proves capable as a starter.
Beyond the rookies who made their big league debuts in 2019, prospects who had standout minor league seasons like Bo Bichette also gained traction among collectors. Bichette tore up Double and Triple-A in 2018-2019 before getting called up to the Toronto Blue Jays, where he continued mashing. His 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect card #BCP-96 remains one of the most sought after modern prospect issues on the secondary market, routinely selling for $300-500 in top grades. After an impressive rookie campaign in 2019 where he hit .311, Bichette looks ready to be a star for years to come. His early prospect cards could end up being real gems for savvy collectors.
The 2019 rookie class featured many future building blocks for their respective franchises like Alonso, Tatis Jr., Jimenez and Paddack. Their flagship rookie cards from Topps Chrome and Bowman have already gained significant value and will likely continue appreciating over the long run if these players live up to expectations. Prospect cards for the likes of Bichette are also worth hanging onto. While baseball cards are never a sure thing, focusing collection efforts on star rookies from a talented class like 2019 provides the best chance of long term returns. Following the careers of these rising young stars will be exciting both on the field and for the hobby.
