The 2020 baseball season was unlike any other due to the COVID-19 pandemic shortening and delaying the season. Some of the game’s top young prospects still had the chance to make their MLB debuts and begin establishing themselves as future stars. While the season was far from normal, the rookie class of 2020 featured several players who look poised to have big careers going forward. Their rookie cards from 2020 are already gaining value and interest from collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best rookie cards from last season that collectors should keep an eye on.
Perhaps the most coveted rookie card from 2020 is Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Gavin Lux. Lux was ranked as one of the top 10 prospects in all of baseball heading into last season by MLB Pipeline. He made his MLB debut in September 2019 but really broke out in 2020, slashing .376/.439/.521 in 56 at-bats. Lux showcased elite bat-to-ball skills and the potential to be a perennial All-Star. His Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card has already gained value, selling for over $100 in mint condition. As Lux continues developing into a core piece of the Dodgers’ lineup, his rookie cards stand to gain even more value in the years to come.
Another rookie who had a breakout season was Miami Marlins first baseman Jesus Aguilar. After a strong 2019 campaign, Aguilar carried that momentum over and proved he can be a middle-of-the-order force for the rebuilding Marlins. In 48 games, Aguilar hit .277 with eight home runs and 34 RBI. His Topps Chrome rookie card is highly sought after by collectors and has increased in secondary market value since the season. As a young power hitter on a team on the rise, Aguilar could become the new face of the Marlins. Holding one of his prized rookie cards from such a unique season could pay major dividends down the road.
No rookie card list from 2020 would be complete without mentioning Seattle Mariners outfielder Kyle Lewis. Lewis took home AL Rookie of the Year honors after a stellar debut campaign in which he slashed .262/.364/.437 with 11 home runs in 58 games. Scouts had raved about Lewis’ raw power potential for years and he began to unlock it at the MLB level last season. The prized Lewis rookie cards, like his Topps Chrome Silver Pack Refractor, are some of the hottest on the trading block right now. As Lewis continues developing into a perennial All-Star caliber player, his rookie cards stand to gain immense value. He looks poised to be the next great homegrown star for the Mariners franchise.
Another standout rookie campaign came from Cincinnati Reds second baseman Jonathan India. The fifth overall pick from the 2018 draft proved ready for the big leagues from day one in 2020. India hit .269 with five home runs and 19 RBI in 53 games while also showing slick defense at second base. He quickly proved worthy of being the future Reds’ starting second baseman. India’s Topps Chrome rookie refractor is one of the most sought after cards on the market today. As a young position player with All-Star potential on a historic MLB franchise, India’s cards could pay major dividends for long-term collectors.
While the rookie class of 2020 was headlined by position players, a few pitchers also had breakout seasons worth noting. San Diego Padres right-hander Ryan Weathers showed poise well beyond his experience level after being a first round pick in 2018. Weathers made seven starts for the Padres in 2020, posting a 1.57 ERA over 34 innings. His control and mix of pitches gave scouts optimism he can develop into a solid mid-rotation starter. Weathers’ Topps Chrome rookie refractor is a bargain at its current price point and stands to gain value as he establishes himself in San Diego.
Another rookie hurler who impressed was Miami Marlins righty Sixto Sanchez. Sanchez came over from the Phillies organization in the J.T. Realmuto trade and proved worth the high price. He made five starts in 2020 with a 3.46 ERA and electric stuff, showing why he’s considered a future ace. Sanchez’s Topps Chrome rookie refractor is a must-have for any collector following along with the Marlins’ rebuild. With continued development, Sanchez could end up as the next international pitching superstar to emerge from Miami.
While the 2020 season was unlike any other, it still produced several rookie cards sure to gain value for years to come. Gavin Lux, Kyle Lewis and Jonathan India look primed to be perennial All-Stars, making their flagship Topps Chrome rookie cards can’t-miss long term holdings. Prospects like Jesus Aguilar, Sixto Sanchez and Ryan Weathers also made strong cases to be future stars, meaning now is a great time to snatch up their rookie cards at reasonable prices. Despite the pandemic altering much of the season, the 2020 rookie class still offered several future cornerstones of franchises that collectors would be wise to follow.
While the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the 2020 MLB season in many ways, it did not prevent some special rookie talents from emerging. Gavin Lux, Kyle Lewis, Jonathan India and others used the shortened campaign to announce their arrivals as future stars. Their rookie cards, like prized Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome parallels, are already gaining value and interest in the collecting community. For those looking to invest in the next generation of baseball stars, focusing on the top rookies from 2020 like Lux, Lewis, India, Aguilar, Sanchez and Weathers offers a great opportunity to buy low before their careers truly take off. This unique rookie class is full of future All-Stars and the cards of these players stand to make astute collectors very happy if held long-term.
