Baseball cards have long been a popular investment and collecting hobby for many. While the industry saw a downturn in the late 1990s and 2000s, baseball cards are once again on the rise. If you’re looking to get into the baseball card investment game, here are some of the top cards and players to consider focusing on right now based on their current and future projected value.
Rookie Cards of Current Young Stars – Many of the biggest young stars in MLB today are still early in their careers, making their rookie cards a smart investment option. Players like Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., and Wander Franco all have extremely promising careers ahead of them and their rookie cards hold great long-term appreciation potential. Soto and Acuña rookies have already seen huge price gains in recent years and should continue rising as they cement their superstar status.
Mike Trout Rookies – Widely considered the best player in baseball today, Trout is a surefire Hall of Famer whenever he decides to retire. His 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects rookie card remains one of the key modern rookie cards to own. High-grade Trout rookies have exploded in value in recent years, with PSA 10 examples now selling for upwards of $400,000. Even lower-grade Trouts hold value and have room for further price increases.
Shohei Ohtani Rookies – As a true two-way star who is both an elite pitcher and hitter, Ohtani is one of the most unique and exciting players in the game. His 2018 Topps Chrome Update rookie cards have taken off in the collector market. PSA 10 examples have cracked the $10,000 price point already and have nowhere to go but up long-term as Ohtani’s career progresses.
Rookies of Hall of Famers from the 1980s/90s – Players like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Chipper Jones, and Frank Thomas all debuted in the late 80s-90s and are now in the Hall of Fame. Their rookie cards from sets like 1989 Upper Deck, 1990 Topps, 1991 Topps, etc. are modern classics that will always be in high demand. Condition is key, with PSA/BGS 9s and 10s holding the most long-term upside.
Vintage Mickey Mantle Cards – The Mick is one of the most iconic and beloved players ever. His 1952 Topps, 1953 Topps, and 1956 Topps cards are true holy grails that can fetch millions in gem mint condition. But there are still affordable Mantle options, like his nice-looking vintage rookie cards or post-rookie cards in grades of PSA 5 and up. Any Mantle from the 1950s is a great foundation piece for any collection.
Vintage Ted Williams Cards – Like Mantle, Williams is regarded as one of the best to ever do it. High-grade examples of his 1939 Play Ball, 1941 Goudey, etc. can be out of reach for most collectors price-wise. But there are deals to be found on his post-war Topps and Bowman issues from the 1950s, which are still iconic pieces of cardboard history. Condition is still important, but Williams cards graded PSA 5 and above offer an affordable entry into a true legend.
Rookie Cards of Current Stars in their Prime – Players like Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, Cody Bellinger, Ronald Acuña Jr. and others are all in the primes of their careers and producing at superstar levels. While their rookie cards have likely seen the biggest gains already, they are guys who could continue producing Hall of Fame resumes. Their rookie cards should remain strong long-term holdings.
Vintage Rookie Cards of Hall of Famers from the 1950s/60s – Players like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente debuted in the early post-war years through the 1960s. Their rookie cards, largely from the 1950s, are some of the most iconic and visually appealing in the hobby. High grades will cost a pretty penny, but there are still deals to be had on lower-grade examples, especially of stars like Aaron, Mays and Clemente who have huge name recognition.
Autograph Cards of Current Stars – In today’s market, signed memorabilia holds huge collector demand. Rookie autograph cards or signed cards of current stars like Soto, Acuña, Tatis, Guerrero Jr., Ohtani and others are great speculative pieces. Acquiring them now for reasonable prices, especially through breaks or direct from the manufacturer/distributor, could yield big returns down the road as those players’ careers progress and signatures become harder to acquire.
Rookie Patch Cards/Memorabilia Cards – Like autographs, modern rookie memorabilia cards that feature swatches of jersey material or other on-card pieces of that player offer a unique collectible element. Top young stars are the obvious targets, and acquiring these types of 1/1 parallel cards now at affordable prices is shrewd investing for the future when demand and prices increase. Condition is crucial to retain future value.
Vintage Rookie Cards of Hall of Famers from the 1960s/70s – Stars like Reggie Jackson, Johnny Bench, Tom Seaver, and Nolan Ryan debuted in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Their iconic rookie cards, largely from the late 1960s/early 1970s, are highly sought after by collectors and have shown steady price increases in recent years. High grades are expensive, but there are deals to be found in the PSA 5-7 range on true legends from this era.
In Closing – The baseball card market is cyclical and unpredictable, so diversity is important when investing. Focusing on star players, especially those with Hall of Fame potential or pedigree, along with targeting rookies and early career cards of today’s best, provides the best chances of long-term appreciation. Condition also matters greatly, so be sure cards are professionally graded whenever possible to ensure future value. With some patience and the right cards added to a PC, there is money to be made by investing in the ever-popular world of baseball cards.
