The 2020 Atlanta Braves baseball season was unique for many reasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The shortened 60-game season saw the Braves finish with a record of 35-25 and qualify for the expanded postseason as the NL East division champions. While fans were unable to attend games at Truist Park for much of the season, collectors still had the baseball card hobby to enjoy. 2020 marked the release of several new Braves card products featuring the team’s rising stars and veteran leaders.
Top Rookie Cards
One of the most highly anticipated rookie cards for Braves collectors in 2020 was that of outfielder Cristian Pache. Considered the organization’s top prospect coming into the season, Pache made his MLB debut and impressed with his elite defense in center field. Pache’s rookie cards, which included inserts and parallels from Topps, Bowman, and Panini, gained value as he established himself as Atlanta’s long-term solution in center. Another exciting rookie was pitcher Ian Anderson, who made five starts down the stretch and showed why he was considered a top pitching prospect. Anderson’s rookie cards, which featured him in both a Braves and Gwinnett Stripers uniform, also increased in demand.
Veteran Star Cards
While the rookies generated buzz, the veteran stars of the 2020 Braves still held value for collectors. Freddie Freeman continued his reign as the face of the franchise and one of MLB’s most consistent hitters. Freeman’s base rookie cards from 2009-2010 remained some of the most sought-after in the Atlanta collection. Fellow infielder Ozzie Albies also stayed popular with collectors after signing a long-term contract extension prior to 2020. Albies’ rising star power was reflected in the popularity of his rookie cards from 2017 and 2018 Topps products. On the mound, ace Max Fried led the rotation and saw his rookie cards from 2017 gain in demand following a breakout 2020 season. Reliever Mark Melancon also saw increased interest after taking over as the Braves’ closer and delivering postseason heroics.
Top Insert Cards
While the base rookie and star cards drove much of the interest, several insert cards from 2020 Braves releases also caught the attention of collectors. Topps Chrome featured popular “Refractors” of rookies Pache and Anderson that held premium value. The “Photo Variations” insert set from Topps Update highlighted key moments from the 2020 season and individual player photography. Bowman Sterling contained sought-after parallels and autographs of top prospects like Shea Langeliers. Panini Contenders offered “Black Parallels” and memorabilia cards that incorporated game-used material. Topps Finest included “Rainbow Foil” parallels and “Negative Refractors” of Freeman, Albies, and others that attracted high prices. Upper Deck also released several inserts like “Artifacts” and “Truly Rare” that incorporated unique autographs and memorabilia.
Top Autograph Cards
As with most teams, autograph cards remained the most coveted Braves collector items in 2020 releases. Top rookie autographs of Pache, Anderson, and Langeliers commanded big prices. Freeman and Albies autographs consistently ranked among the most expensive Atlanta signatures available. Rare 1/1 autographs from products like Topps Chrome, Bowman Sterling, and Panini Immaculate held tremendous value. Memorabilia autograph cards incorporating game-used bat, jersey or ball material from star players also gained significant collector interest. Parallel autographs, especially low-numbered versions, saw premium resale prices. Autograph cards of veteran relievers like Mark Melancon and Will Smith also increased in demand after their postseason heroics helped the Braves win the NL East.
Looking Ahead
With a young core of stars and top prospects still rising through the system, the future remains very bright for both the Atlanta Braves on the field and their baseball card collectors. Rookies like Pache, Anderson, and Langeliers are poised for bigger roles in 2021 that should further elevate the value of their rookie cards. Meanwhile, cards of established veterans like Freeman, Albies, Fried and others will stay popular as long as they continue producing at an elite level for the Braves. Insert cards, parallels, and autographs from 2021 releases will attract avid collectors. As long as the team sustains its winning ways, Atlanta Braves cards should remain a hot commodity for years to come.
