Baseball card collecting is a hobby enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether it’s chasing down rare vintage cards from the 1950s or hunting for the latest rookie stars, building a baseball card collection can provide hours of enjoyment. The 2020 season saw many promising young players make their debuts in the major leagues. These rookie cards are some of the most sought after on the modern baseball card market.
One of the top rookies from 2020 was Miami Marlins right fielder Jesus Sanchez. At just 22 years old, Sanchez made his MLB debut in August and immediately impressed with his power and athleticism in the outfield. His rookie cards have been hot commodities on the secondary market. Some of the more desirable Sanchez rookie cards include his Topps Chrome Refractor parallel, Topps Fire Refractor parallel, and Topps Chrome Superfractor parallel. These parallels feature colorful refractors and number less than the base rookie cards. On eBay recently, PSA 10 graded examples of Sanchez’s Topps Chrome Refractor have sold for over $300.
Another outfield star to debut in 2020 was Seattle Mariners center fielder Jarred Kelenic. As the sixth overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, Kelenic was one of the highest-touted prospects to reach the majors last season. Still just 21, Kelenic is considered a future All-Star and his cards reflect that. His Topps Chrome Refractor rookie has also topped $300 in PSA 10 condition on the secondary market. Other Kelenic rookies that have done well include his Bowman Chrome Autograph Refractor and Topps Fire Refractor parallel cards. With his five-tool potential and Mariners fandom, Kelenic looks poised to be one of the hottest young stars in baseball for years to come.
On the pitching side, Cincinnati Reds right-hander Tyler Mahle had a breakout season in 2020, posting stellar numbers as a full-time starter. The 26-year-old is still technically a rookie by innings pitched and his cards are affordable compared to other top rookies. Mahle’s Topps Chrome Refractor rookie has sold in the $50-75 range in PSA 10 condition. Another underrated pitcher rookie is Tampa Bay Rays breakout starter Shane McClanahan. Still just 24, McClanahan made his MLB debut in 2020 and flashed ace potential with a electric fastball and slider combo. High-grade versions of his Topps Chrome Refractor rookie have recently sold in the $150 range.
Two of the biggest rookie position player debuts of 2020 came from the Atlanta Braves organization. First baseman Freddie Freeman missed much of the season due to COVID-19, opening up an opportunity for 22-year-old Austin Riley to play every day. Riley seized the moment by slugging 17 home runs in just 58 games. His Topps Chrome Refractor rookie is one of the most sought after on the market, routinely topping $150 in PSA 10 condition. Meanwhile, 21-year-old shortstop Cristian Pache was called up late in the season and immediately shined with his elite defensive skills in center field. Pache could be a long-term star and his Topps Chrome Refractor rookie has already climbed above the $100 mark for PSA 10s.
The San Diego Padres had two highly touted prospects make their MLB debuts in 2020 as well. Outfielder Tucupita Marcano played in just 13 games but at age 21, has tantalizing raw power potential that could make his cards valuable long term. His Topps Chrome Refractor rookie has sold for around $50 ungraded. Meanwhile, infielder Jake Cronenworth unexpectedly broke out with an .850 OPS in 2020 to win NL Rookie of the Year honors. The 27-year-old qualifies as a rookie by at bats and his cards have taken off, with PSA 10 Topps Chrome Refractors selling for over $150.
Two other rookie position players who made strong first impressions in 2020 were Detroit Tigers third baseman Isaac Paredes and Kansas City Royals catcher MJ Melendez. Paredes, just 21, showed advanced hitting skills by batting .278 in 26 games of action. His Topps Chrome Refractor rookie has sold for $30-50. Meanwhile, Melendez is considered one of the top catching prospects in baseball and at age 21, launched 5 home runs in his September debut. High-grade versions of his Topps Chrome Refractor rookie have sold for $75-100.
While rookie cards from 2020 are still relatively affordable compared to past years, prices are steadily climbing as these young stars continue to develop their careers. For collectors looking to invest, picking up PSA 10 graded examples of the top rookies while they are still obtainable could prove lucrative in the long run. With so much early career success and hype around the likes of Kelenic, Riley, Cronenworth and others, their rookie cards have strong chances to appreciate significantly if they fulfill their potential as franchise cornerstones. 2020 may go down as one of the best modern rookie classes in baseball history.
