The 2020 baseball season was unlike any other due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Major League Baseball implemented numerous rule changes and health protocols in order to have a shortened 60-game regular season. Despite the unusual circumstances, the 2020 rookie class still produced some highly coveted rookie cards for collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top rookies from 2020 and how their cards have held up in the collectibles market.
Perhaps the biggest rookie star from 2020 was Seattle Mariners outfielder Kyle Lewis. Lewis had a phenomenal debut season, batting .262 with 11 home runs in 58 games. He was named the American League Rookie of the Year and his accomplishments were reflected in the demand for his rookie cards. Lewis’ most popular rookie card is his Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractor parallel, which has sold for over $1,000 in mint condition. Even his base Topps Chrome rookie card has sold for several hundred dollars. As Lewis continues to develop into a star player, the value of his rookie cards should only increase in the coming years.
Another highly sought after rookie is Miami Marlins right-handed starting pitcher Trevor Rogers. In only 11 starts, Rogers posted a stellar 2.64 ERA and struck out 85 batters over 52.1 innings. He finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting. Rogers’ Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractor parallel has also topped $1,000. His Topps Chrome base rookie is currently around $300-400 graded gem mint. As the Marlins continue improving, Rogers could be their next homegrown ace and his cards reflect the excitement around his future potential.
Chicago White Sox first baseman Andrew Vaughn had a solid debut in 2020 after being selected third overall in the 2019 draft. Vaughn slashed .271/.356/.414 with 4 home runs in 36 games. While he didn’t post the flashiest numbers, Vaughn has the makings of a perennial All-Star and his cards are priced accordingly. Vaughn’s Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractor sells in the $600-800 range, with his base Topps Chrome rookie around $200-300 graded. The left-handed hitting Vaughn is poised for bigger seasons ahead on the White Sox’s young playoff contender.
Two rookies who made huge playoff impacts were Los Angeles Dodgers righty Tony Gonsolin and Tampa Bay Rays catcher Randy Arozarena. Gonsolin tossed 15 scoreless innings over the regular season and playoffs, including a victory in Game 6 of the World Series. Meanwhile, Arozarena set a new single-postseason record with 10 home runs and 29 hits as the Rays reached the Fall Classic. Gonsolin’s Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractor sells for around $400-500, with his base rookie around $150-200 graded. Arozarena’s Blue Refractor sells for $300-500, with the base card priced at $100-200. Their postseason heroics have added cachet to an already strong rookie class.
Among pitchers, Miami Marlins lefty Trevor Rogers and Chicago White Sox righty Dane Dunning had the most impressive debuts. Rogers posted a 2.61 ERA over 11 starts and struck out 85 batters in just 51 innings pitched. Dunning made his way back from Tommy John surgery to toss 34.1 innings with a 3.97 ERA for the White Sox. Rogers’ Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractor sells for $600-800, with his base rookie around $300-400 graded. Dunning’s Blue Refractor sells for $300-500, while his base Topps Chrome rookie trades hands at $150-250 graded. Both have ace potential and their cards reflect their promise.
On the position player side, San Diego Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth had a phenomenal rookie campaign after beginning the year in Triple-A. Cronenworth slashed .285/.366/.477 with 4 home runs over 54 games, playing stellar defense at multiple infield positions. He’s considered a future star and his Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractor sells for $400-600, with the base rookie around $200-300 graded. Cronenworth’s versatility and batting prowess have made him a favorite among collectors.
While the 2020 season was unusual, it still produced some truly outstanding rookies who look poised to become franchise cornerstones. Kyle Lewis, Trevor Rogers, Andrew Vaughn and others have rookie cards that are selling at premium prices already. As these players continue developing their talents in the majors, their early career cards stand to gain even more value in the years to come. The 2020 rookie class is stacked with potential and their cards reflect both their accomplishments thus far and future potential as star major leaguers.
