When it comes to investing in baseball cards, it’s important to do your research and focus on cards from players who have proven themselves in Major League Baseball. Cards from star players who are still active can be a solid investment, as can cards showing promise from young rising stars. Vintage cards from legends of the game also hold value well.
A key thing to consider is the player’s potential future Hall of Fame candidacy. Cards from players with a good chance of making the Hall of Fame tend to appreciate the most in value over time. With that in mind, here are some baseball cards from the modern and vintage eras that could be solid investments heading into 2020:
Mike Trout Cards
Widely considered the best player in baseball today, Mike Trout has put up MVP caliber numbers every season since his debut in 2011. He’s still early in his career at just 28 years old, and barring injury he has a great chance to go down as one of the all-time greats. Trout rookie cards from 2009 Bowman Draft and 2012 Topps are always in high demand and have increased steadily in secondary market price in recent years. Even his base cards from flagship Topps sets hold value well. Trout is a near-lock future Hall of Famer, so his cards present a low-risk investment opportunity.
Christian Yelich Cards
The 2018 NL MVP has emerged as a true five-tool superstar. Yelich still has many productive seasons ahead of him as he enters his prime. His 2018 Topps Chrome Update Yellow Refractor rookie card /99 has seen a big uptick in price, selling for over $1,000. Yelich’s 2016 Topps Update Gold Parallel RC /2016 and base cards from recent years are also appreciating assets as he cements his status among the game’s elite. At just 27, Yelich looks poised for a Hall of Fame career trajectory.
Cody Bellinger Cards
The reigning NL MVP had a breakout 2019 season, showcasing his impressive all-around skills that could keep him atop the Dodgers lineup for years. Bellinger’s 2017 Bowman Chrome Prospects Orange Refractor RC /250 has more than doubled in secondary market value. His 2016 Topps Chrome Update Yellow Refractor RC /99 and base rookie cards are also surging. At just 24 years old, Bellinger has superstar potential and an array of cards that could pay dividends for savvy investors.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Cards
Already one of baseball’s brightest young talents at age 22, Acuña put up an NL Rookie of the Year season in 2018. His 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects Orange Refractor RC /250 and Yellow Refractor RC /99 command big prices. Even his affordable 2018 Topps Series 1 base RC holds value with room to appreciate. Acuña looks like a perennial MVP candidate in the making. His cards offer a high-upside investment for those willing to hold long-term as he climbs baseball’s elite.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Cards
Regarded as the best hitting prospect of the last few years, Guerrero lived up to the hype by hitting .272 with 15 home runs in 123 games as a 19-year-old rookie in 2019. His 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects Orange Refractor RC /250 and Yellow Refractor RC /99 are some of the hottest rookie cards on the market. Even his affordable 2018 Topps Series 1 base RC has doubled in price. At just 20 years old, Guerrero has superstar potential and his cards could rocket up in value as he develops into a true offensive force.
Pete Alonso Cards
The 2019 NL Rookie of the Year exploded onto the scene by leading all of MLB with 53 home runs in his first full season. His 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects Orange Refractor RC /250 and Yellow Refractor RC /99 are hot commodities. Even his affordable 2018 Topps Series 1 base RC holds strong value. At just 25 years old, Alonso looks poised for many more 30+ home run seasons as the Mets’ slugging first baseman of the future. His cards offer a great upside investment.
Sandy Koufax Cards
One of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, Koufax’s pristine career was cut short but he still amassed 3 Cy Youngs and 4 no-hitters in his 12 seasons. His 1955 Topps #130 PSA 9 Gem Mint is valued around $10,000 due to its extreme rarity. Even lower-graded copies in the $2,000-$4,000 range offer a solid vintage investment, as Koufax is assured a place among the all-time pitching greats. Any Koufax card in high grade would be a tremendous long-term hold.
Willie Mays Cards
The Say Hey Kid was simply one of the best all-around players to ever play. His 1954 Topps #311 PSA 8 Very Fine sells for around $15,000 due to its iconic design showing Mays leaping for a catch. Lower-graded copies in the $5,000 range are still worthwhile investments that will only appreciate over decades. Mays is a no-doubt Hall of Famer who remains one of baseball’s most beloved stars, making his vintage cards can’t-miss holdings.
Mickey Mantle Cards
The Commerce Comet redefined what a switch-hitting slugger could accomplish. His 1952 Topps #311 PSA 8 in the $50,000 range and PSA 6 for $20,000 exemplify his star power and rarity. Even his more affordable rookie cards from 1951 Bowman and Topps in lower grades retain value as must-have pieces of any collection due to Mantle’s legendary status. He is simply one of the all-time player greats.
Honus Wagner Cards
The rarest and most coveted baseball card in existence, a 1909-11 T206 Wagner PSA NM-MT 8 in pristine condition would fetch over $3 million. Even lower graded copies in the $500,000 range are still out of reach for most collectors. His 1910-11 W511 and 1911 C506 cards in lower grades around $10,000 still offer a rare opportunity to own an authentic piece of one of the earliest baseball superstars. Any Wagner card is a true heirloom investment.
When investing in baseball cards it’s wise to focus on modern stars with Hall of Fame potential like Trout, Yelich and Bellinger, or young rising talents like Acuña, Guerrero and Alonso. Vintage greats like Mays, Mantle, Wagner and Koufax are also can’t-lose long-term holds due to their legendary status. Doing thorough research on a player’s career, statistics and future potential is key before parting with investment funds. With patience, savvy collectors can build portfolios of cards that retain and potentially increase exponentially in value for decades to come.
