When it comes to investing in baseball cards, rookie cards are often seen as one of the best options. This is because a player’s rookie card is the first card produced of them as a professional baseball player. As such, rookie cards tend to hold more value than regular base cards and can appreciate significantly over time if the player goes on to have a successful career.
With that in mind, here are some top baseball rookie cards that are good investments to consider:
Sandy Koufax (1955 Topps)
Considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time, Sandy Koufax had a relatively short but dominant career from 1955-1966 spent entirely with the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers. His 1955 Topps rookie card is one of the key vintage cards to own. In high grade, mint condition examples can sell for over $100,000 due to his legendary status. Even well-centered, nicely graded copies in the PSA 8-9 range will hold significant value long-term.
Mickey Mantle (1951 Bowman)
Along with the 1952 Topps, Mickey Mantle’s rookie card from 1951 Bowman is arguably the most valuable baseball card in existence. Widely regarded as the best all-around player of his generation, Mantle enjoyed a Hall of Fame career with the New York Yankees from 1951-1968. Pristine PSA 10 copies of his 1951 Bowman rookie have sold for over $2 million, showing the card’s incredible investment potential. Even lower graded copies in the PSA 7-8 range are still worth five figures.
Ken Griffey Jr. (1989 Upper Deck)
During the late 1980s and 1990s, Ken Griffey Jr. was arguably the most exciting young player in baseball. His graceful style of play and prolific home run power made him a fan favorite. Griffey’s rookie card comes from the landmark 1989 Upper Deck set and features sharp photography on the front. High grade PSA 10 examples can be worth over $10,000 today. Most graded copies still command prices in the thousands, demonstrating this modern card’s staying power.
Mariano Rivera (1991 Bowman)
As the greatest closer in MLB history with a record 652 career saves, Mariano Rivera dominated for 19 seasons with the New York Yankees from 1991-2013. His rookie card is from the 1991 Bowman set. PSA 10 copies have sold for over $4,000. Even well-centered PSA 8-9 examples still hold value in the multiple hundreds due to Rivera’s legendary status. This is a can’t-miss modern rookie card for any baseball investor.
Bryce Harper (2010 Bowman Sterling)
At just 28 years old, Bryce Harper has already built a Hall of Fame resume since making his MLB debut with the Washington Nationals in 2012. His best rookie card comes from the ultra-high end 2010 Bowman Sterling set, featuring a 1/1 printing plate parallel. High grades have sold for well over $10,000. Even regular base copies in PSA 10 still command prices around $1,000 long-term due to Harper’s star power and potential for continued success.
Mike Trout (2009 Bowman Chrome)
Widely considered the best all-around player in baseball today, Mike Trout has won three MVP awards since debuting with the Los Angeles Angels in 2011. The 2009 Bowman Chrome set introduced him to collectors. PSA 10 copies of his refractive rookie have sold for over $400,000, though most graded examples still hold value in the thousands. Trout is a virtual lock for the Hall of Fame someday, cementing this as one of the best modern investments around.
Pete Alonso (2018 Bowman Chrome)
After winning the 2019 NL Rookie of the Year award and smashing a rookie record 53 home runs for the New York Mets, Pete Alonso has quickly become a fan favorite. His prized rookie card is from 2018 Bowman Chrome, featuring his smooth lefty swing. PSA 10 copies have reached over $1,000 in value already. Most well-centered examples still sell for hundreds long-term due to Alonso’s emerging star power.
Ronald Acuña Jr. (2018 Bowman Chrome)
Possessing five-tool talents and electrifying speed, Ronald Acuña Jr. immediately broke out in his 2018 MLB debut with the Atlanta Braves. That same year, collectors were introduced to his talents in the 2018 Bowman Chrome set. High grades have reached $2,000 already. Even mid-range PSA 8-9 copies still sell for hundreds today and have plenty of upside if Acuña becomes a perennial All-Star.
Fernando Tatis Jr. (2019 Topps Chrome)
With his incredible power, speed and flair for the highlight-reel play, Fernando Tatis Jr. immediately made his presence felt for the San Diego Padres in 2019. That same year, collectors snapped up his prized rookie card in the 2019 Topps Chrome set. PSA 10s have already eclipsed $1,000 in value. Well-centered copies in the PSA 8-9 range still sell for hundreds long-term due to Tatis’ budding superstar potential.
Juan Soto (2018 Bowman Chrome)
At just 21 years old, Juan Soto has already become one of baseball’s best young hitters as a cornerstone of the Washington Nationals. Collectors first encountered his talents in the 2018 Bowman Chrome set featuring his smooth left-handed swing. PSA 10 copies have reached $800. Most well-centered examples still hold long-term value in the hundreds. Soto has perennial All-Star written all over him.
Rafael Devers (2016 Bowman Chrome)
Still just 24, Rafael Devers has emerged as one of baseball’s most dangerous young hitters for the Boston Red Sox. Collectors were introduced to his talents in the 2016 Bowman Chrome set. PSA 10 copies have already topped $500. Even mid-grade examples in the PSA 8-9 range still sell for hundreds long-term due to Devers’ budding superstar potential in Beantown.
In closing, by focusing on elite players who debuted since the 1950s and holding copies in high grades when possible, the above baseball rookie cards represent some of the best long-term investments for any sports card collector. With the combination of on-field performance, scarcity and name recognition over time, pristine examples of stars like Mantle, Koufax, Griffey Jr., Trout and more are poised to continue appreciating for decades to come.
