Ronald Acuña Jr. exploded onto the MLB scene in 2018 with the Atlanta Braves and immediately became one of baseball’s brightest young stars. As a 21-year-old rookie, he slashed .293/.366/.552 with 26 home runs, 64 RBI, and 16 stolen bases in only 111 games while finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting. His electrifying play and five-tool talent made him a fan favorite and one of the most exciting players in the game.
Naturally, collectors took notice of Acuña’s star potential and began seeking out his rookie cards. While his 2018 Topps Series 1 and Series 2 rookie cards are the most iconic and valuable in his collection so far, let’s take a deeper look at some of the most notable Acuña cards from different sets and years that collectors love to hunt.
2018 Topps Series 1 & 2 Rookie Cards
As Acuña’s true rookie cards from his debut season with Topps, the 2018 Topps Series 1 and Series 2 cards are the crown jewels of any Acuña PC. The Series 1 card shows Acuña batting from the left side with a blue and red Braves cap. The Series 2 features him rounding the bases with a big smile. PSA 10 gem mint copies of these cards regularly sell for $500-1000 each currently due to Acuña’s superstar status and the cards’ iconic rookie status. They are must-haves for any serious Acuña collector.
2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto Refractor RC
Bowman is known for producing some of the shiniest and most coveted prospect cards in the hobby. Acuña’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto Refractor rookie card, with its bright colors and on-card autograph, is no exception. These can sell for $2000-3000 in PSA 10 condition due to their rarity, beauty, and Acuña’s star power. The refractor parallel makes the colors really pop.
2018 Topps Chrome Update RC Auto Refractor
Released later in 2018 was Acuña’s first Topps Chrome auto, found in the Update set. Like the Bowman Chrome card, this one features an on-card autograph but in Topps’ trademark Chrome style with flashy refractors. PSA 10 Gems have sold for over $1500. The auto adds another layer of desirability compared to the base Topps rookie cards.
2019 Topps Series 1 & 2 Update Cards
Topps followed up Acuña’s rookie success with updated base cards in the 2019 Series 1 and 2 sets. While not true rookie cards, collectors still love to find these early updates showing Acuña’s continuing progress. PSA 10s trade for $100-200 depending on parallel and demand. They extend Acuña’s Topps RC run and document his ascendance as a budding star.
2019 Topps Chrome Update Rainbow Foil RC
For collectors seeking the shiniest Acuña cards, the 2019 Topps Chrome Update Rainbow Foil refractor parallel really pops. With its hyper-colorful, holographic-like appearance, it’s one of the most visually striking Acuña cards on the market. In a PSA 10 Gem Mint, it can reach $500-1000 due to its stunning presentation of the young star at the height of his popularity.
2019 Topps Allen & Ginter Mini RC
A more fun and unique Acuña card is found in 2019 Topps Allen & Ginter, where he received an oversized mini card as one of the set’s popular mini inserts. Measuring around 1.5″ square, it captures Acuña’s dazzling smile. PSA 10 Gems sell for $75-150 depending on the parallel due to their scarcity and novelty factor compared to standard-sized cards.
2019 Topps Chrome Sapphire Refractor RC
For Acuña collectors wanting the absolute shiniest card, the 2019 Topps Chrome Sapphire Refractor parallel takes the cake. With its deep, luxurious blue coloring and intense refractors, it truly pops on the eyes. PSA 10 Gems have sold for up to $800 due to the rarity of Sapphire parallels combined with Acuña’s star power and on-going success.
2020 Topps Series 1 & 2 Update Cards
As Acuña continued raking for the Braves in 2020, Topps again issued updated base cards showing his progression. While not quite as valuable as his true rookie issues, PSA 10 copies of these 2020 Topps Series 1 and 2 cards still attract $50-100 due to his superstardom. They further document the peak of Acuña’s early career success with Atlanta.
2020 Topps Chrome Sapphire Refractor RC
Like the 2019 Sapphire refractor parallel, Acuña’s 2020 Topps Chrome Sapphire refractor is highly sought-after for its intense coloration. PSA 10 examples have sold in the $400-600 range. While not quite as rare as the first-year issue, it remains a true prize for Acuña collectors seeking the absolute pinnacle of visual splendor from his Topps Chrome cards.
As Acuña’s career continues to unfold, new cards will join these in the portfolios of dedicated collectors. But these represent some of the most iconic, visually striking, and valuable issues from the start of his time with the Braves. Whether seeking affordable base cards, autographs, refractors, or true rookie gems, Acuña’s cards offer something for every type of collector enthralled by his tremendous talent and star power.
