The 2020 baseball season was unlike any other, with the MLB season shortened to just 60 games due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This unique season still produced some highly coveted rookie cards from star players who made their MLB debuts. While the small sample size makes it hard to project long-term success, these rookies had impressive initial campaigns that make their rookie cards some of the hottest prospects on the baseball card market.
Perhaps the most sought-after rookie card from 2020 is Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Tony Gonsolin. Gonsolin made his MLB debut in 2019 but had his rookie status preserved for 2020 since he threw fewer than 50 innings in 2019. In the shortened 2020 season, Gonsolin emerged as a key starter for the World Series champion Dodgers, going 2-2 with a 2.31 ERA and 1.17 WHIP over nine appearances (eight starts). He showed excellent control with a 0.89 BB/9 and solid strikeout stuff with a 7.56 K/9. Gonsolin’s 2020 Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card #RC-TG sells for around $200 in near-mint condition, but graded versions have sold for over $1,000, reflecting his immediate success and role on a perennial contender.
Another rookie who made huge strides in 2020 was Miami Marlins right-handed starter Sixto Sanchez. Acquired from the Phillies in the J.T. Realmuto trade, Sanchez made his MLB debut in 2020 and showed why he is considered one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. Over seven starts, Sanchez went 3-2 with a 3.46 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and excellent 31:5 K:BB ratio over 29.1 innings. At just 22 years old, Sanchez flashed three plus pitches and the ability to miss bats at the highest level. His 2020 Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card #RC-SS sells for around $150-200 raw but over $500 graded, and his stock will only rise if he continues developing in 2021 and beyond.
Another rookie arm who opened eyes in 2020 was Chicago White Sox righty Dane Dunning. Selected by the White Sox in the 2016 draft, Dunning missed the 2018 and 2019 seasons due to Tommy John surgery but returned in 2020 and showed no ill effects of the injury. Over seven appearances (six starts), Dunning went 2-0 with a 3.97 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and solid 26:9 K:BB ratio over 34 innings pitched. The 26-year-old flashed a plus sinker and showed the ability to miss bats while limiting walks. Dunning’s 2020 Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card #RC-DD sells in the $100-150 range but could appreciate significantly if he establishes himself as a long-term rotation piece for the ascending White Sox.
On the position player side, Cincinnati Reds second baseman Jonathan India had one of the most impressive rookie seasons in baseball in 2020. Selected fifth overall in the 2018 draft, India made his MLB debut in 2021 and batted .319/.376/.556 with five home runs over 30 games. He showed a polished approach at the plate with a solid 11.3% walk rate to go along with his .932 OPS. India, 24, looks like he will be a long-term fixture at second base or in the outfield for the Reds for years to come. His 2020 Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card #RC-JI sells in the $150-200 range but could be a blue chip investment if India continues hitting at or near this level going forward.
While he only appeared in 16 games, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell made a strong impression in his initial cup of coffee in the majors in 2020. Adell, one of the top prospects in all of baseball, batted .161 but showed impressive power with three home runs and an impressive .585 slugging percentage. The 21-year-old is still developing but possesses five-tool talent and will be given every opportunity to play regularly for the Angels in 2021 and beyond. His 2020 Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card #RC-JA sells in the $100-150 range now but has significant upside if Adell breaks out as expected in the coming years.
One of the biggest surprises of the 2020 season was San Diego Padres right-hander Ryan Weathers. A first-round pick in 2018, Weathers made his MLB debut in 2020 just two years after being drafted. Over 11 appearances (four starts), Weathers posted a 1-0 record with a 1.57 ERA and 0.90 WHIP over 31 innings pitched. The 21-year-old showed excellent command with just six walks and flashed a four-pitch mix that could allow him to develop into a mid-rotation starter. Weathers’ 2020 Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card #RC-RW is still quite affordable in the $75-100 range now but has plenty of room for growth if he solidifies his place in the Padres’ rotation plans.
While he didn’t debut until September, Seattle Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic still made a strong first impression in his initial 9 MLB games in 2020. Kelenic, one of the top prospects acquired in the Robinson Cano/Edwin Diaz trade, batted .289 with a home run and showed impressive plate discipline and athleticism. Still just 21, Kelenic has star potential if he continues developing and could be a franchise cornerstone in Seattle for years to come. His 2020 Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card #RC-JK is still quite affordable around $75-100 but is one of the best long-term rookie investments on the market.
While the 2020 season was unlike any other, it still produced some star rookies who made immediate impacts upon reaching the majors. Players like Gonsolin, Sanchez, India, and others showed why they are considered blue-chip prospects. Their impressive debuts have made their rookie cards some of the most sought-after on the baseball card market. While investment potential exists, these rookies must still prove themselves over larger sample sizes. But for collectors looking to invest in young emerging talent, these 2020 rookie cards offer compelling upside if these players continue developing into stars.
