Baseball cards have long been a fun and lucrative hobby for collectors. While established stars can yield high prices, one of the most exciting aspects is identifying promising rookies before they become household names. Rookie cards in particular hold immense value, as they represent a player’s first appearance in card form. With that in mind, here are some baseball rookie cards collectors should consider adding to their portfolios right now.
Wander Franco, Tampa Bay Rays (2020 Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor RC /2020 Bowman Chrome Sapphire Refractor RC) – Widely regarded as the top prospect in baseball, Franco made his MLB debut in 2021 at age 20 and immediately impressed with his elite bat-to-hand coordination and advanced approach. He finished fourth in AL Rookie of the Year voting and will be a cornerstone for the Rays for years to come. Franco’s rookie cards have already seen a meteoric rise in a short time and have plenty of room for further appreciation as he establishes himself as a superstar. The Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor is his flagship rookie and the prized Bowman Chrome Sapphire Refractor holds cache as one of the most exclusive parallels.
Riley Greene, Detroit Tigers (2019 Bowman Chrome Sapphire Refractor RC) – Greene has all the tools to be a perennial All-Star for the Tigers as they look to turn the corner. He blasted 5 homers in his September MLB debut and will be in the lineup full-time in 2023. The 2019 Bowman Chrome Sapphire Refractor is the crème de la crème of Greene rookies due to its ultra-low serial numbers. Even at its current high prices, it’s an investment that could yield huge returns down the line.
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles (2019 Bowman Chrome Sapphire Refractor RC) – Widely considered the top prospect in baseball before making his MLB debut in 2022, Rutschman has the complete package with elite hitting ability and defensive skills behind the plate. He’ll be a cornerstone for the rebuilding Orioles and has superstar potential. Like Greene, the 2019 Bowman Chrome Sapphire Refractor is his premier rookie card to own.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (2021 Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor RC) – Witt made an immediate splash by hitting 35 extra-base hits in his rookie season and will be a force in the middle of the Royals lineup for years. He’s already one of the most exciting young players in the game. The 2021 Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor is his flagship rookie and a must-have for any savvy collector.
Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners (2021 Bowman Chrome Sapphire Refractor RC) – Rodriguez took the AL by storm in 2022 by hitting 28 home runs and stealing 25 bases en route to finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting. He’s the dynamic centerpiece for a rising Mariners team. Like the other top prospects on this list, the 2021 Bowman Chrome Sapphire Refractor stands out as his premier rookie card.
Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers (2021 Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor RC) – The top pick in the 2020 draft, Torkelson struggled initially in the majors but has huge upside as a power hitter. He’ll get regular at-bats in Detroit’s lineup moving forward. His 2021 Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor is a solid long-term investment for collectors.
C.J. Abrams, San Diego Padres (2021 Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor RC) – Acquired from the Padres in the Tatis trade, Abrams has the potential to be an impact shortstop for years. He made his MLB debut in 2022 at age 21 and will continue to develop. His 2021 Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor rookie is poised to rise in value.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates (2021 Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor RC) – At 6-foot-7, Cruz is a monster at the plate with prodigious power potential. He made his debut in 2022 and will be a building block as the Pirates rebuild. At his size, Cruz has the ability to be a true unicorn player. His rookie cards still sell at reasonable prices.
Brennan Davis, Chicago Cubs (2021 Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor RC) – Davis has five-tool talent and could develop into a star corner outfielder for the Cubs. He made his MLB debut in 2022 and will continue to progress. His 2021 Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor rookie sells at affordable prices and is a solid long-shot to pay off big.
Emerson Hancock, Seattle Mariners (2021 Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor RC) – A former first round pick, Hancock has the ceiling of an ace if he can stay healthy. He made his MLB debut in 2022 out of the Mariners bullpen and will look to lock down a rotation spot. His rookie cards are a bargain for the potential upside.
While established stars will always have cache, the biggest rewards come from identifying top prospects and rookies before they blossom into superstars. The players featured here all have the ability to become franchise cornerstones and perennial All-Stars. Their rookie cards, especially premium parallels, offer an exciting opportunity for long-term growth at relatively affordable prices right now. For collectors with a keen eye for talent, these may be some of the smartest baseball cards to add to the portfolio heading into 2023.
