When it comes to investing in baseball cards, it’s important to do your research and understand the market. While some cards from decades past can be worth huge sums, focusing only on old cards means missing opportunities in the modern market. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best baseball cards to buy today from both recent years and the present.
One of the top modern baseball cards to consider is any rookie card for Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani. As one of the most unique and talented players in the game today, Ohtani’s rookie cards hold tremendous long term value. His 2018 Topps Series 1 and Series 2 rookies can still be found for reasonable prices, but are great holds. Even his 2021 cards, which feature his first full season back from injury, are appreciating quickly. In a few years, any Ohtani rookie is likely to be out of the price range of most collectors.
Another young superstar with skyrocketing cards is Fernando Tatis Jr, the standout shortstop for the San Diego Padres. Tatis’ elite talent, charisma and youth make him a prime candidate to become one of the faces of MLB for years to come. His 2019 Topps Series 1 rookie card is up over 750% in the last two years alone. While no longer a “bargain,” Tatis rookies still have plenty of upside. His 2021 Update Series paper rookie also looks promising long term.
Ronald Acuña Jr’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect card is one of the best modern pickups under $100. Acuña quickly established himself as a budding superstar and the card has increased over 400% since the start of 2020. His 2018 Topps Series 1 and Series 2 rookies are also excellent longer term holds, though prices have risen significantly. Acuña’s talent and youth ensure his cards will remain relevant investments.
For pitchers, look to Los Angeles Dodgers ace Walker Buehler. His 2015 Bowman Chrome Prospect card can still be found in the $50-75 range. Buehler has emerged as one of baseball’s premier young hurlers and that card is sure to appreciate greatly in the coming years as his stardom increases. His 2018 Topps Series 1 rookie is also a worthwhile pickup before it climbs out of reach for most collectors.
Another young arm to consider is Miami Marlins righty Sandy Alcantara. While not a household name quite yet, Alcantara is establishing himself as a workhorse starter with ace-caliber stuff. His 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospect card is very affordable at under $20 still. Alcantara has yet to reach his prime and with continued improvement, this card stands to multiply in value substantially in the coming years.
For veteran stars, cards from Mike Trout and Clayton Kershaw remain solid investments. While their rookies are cost prohibitive, later parallels and serially numbered cards can still be found at reasonable prices. Trout and Kershaw have Hall of Fame careers already locked up, ensuring any of their cards hold value. Trout in particular is establishing himself as perhaps the greatest player of all time, making even his modern cards worthwhile long term holds.
Rookie cards for recent top draft picks like Spencer Torkelson, Casey Mize, Adley Rutschman and Bobby Witt Jr are also strong considers. Though riskier short term as these players have yet to establish themselves in the majors, any could explode in value with a few good seasons. Their draft year cards can still be had for under $50 in most cases, with huge upside if they meet their potential.
For bargain buys, keep an eye out for stars from the 1980s and 90s whose cards have fallen by the wayside. Ken Griffey Jr, Frank Thomas, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and others were elite players who are largely forgotten by today’s collectors. Their rookie cards can often be found raw on eBay for under $20. With the nostalgia cycle always continuing, these cards are primed for a comeback as new collectors rediscover the stars of their youth.
In today’s market, focus on a blend of blue-chip young talents like Ohtani, Tatis and Acuña alongside proven stars and undervalued veterans. Spreading investments across different player tiers and price points helps mitigate risk. Always do your research, buy cards you personally enjoy and have confidence in the players. With patience and a long term outlook, there are plenty of opportunities for growth in the modern baseball card market.
