The vintage baseball card market continues to heat up as interest in collecting grows. While the ultra-rare rookie cards of legends like Mickey Mantle and Mike Trout will always hold immense value, there are plenty of affordable options that have strong potential to appreciate significantly in the coming years. With that in mind, here are some of the best baseball cards to own right now based on a player’s future Hall of Fame chances, recent performance, and other collectability factors.
Shohei Ohtani (2021 Topps Chrome Refractor #88) – What Ohtani has done on the mound and in the batter’s box the past two seasons has quite simply been unprecedented. He’s one of the most exciting players in the game today and is must-see TV every time he toes the rubber or steps into the box. His rare two-way talents make him a truly unique player that collectors will want to hold onto. While prices have risen quickly on his rookie cards, the 2021 Topps Chrome Refractor remains one of his most coveted rookie refractors and a centerpiece for any collection.
Juan Soto (2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto #139) – At just 23 years old, Soto has already established himself as one of the best pure hitters in baseball. He’s a two-time Silver Slugger winner and led the NL in batting average in 2020. Soto’s prodigious talent and youth indicate he has many prime years still ahead of him. His 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects autograph remains one of his scarcest and most iconic rookie cards. With a likely Hall of Fame career in store, Soto cards profile as long-term keepers.
Ronald Acuña Jr. (2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto #139) – Like Soto, Acuña burst onto the scene as one of baseball’s brightest young stars. He’s a two-time All-Star with a 40/40 season already under his belt at just 24 years old. Acuña’s five-tool ability and durability make him a perennial MVP candidate for the next decade plus. His 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects autograph parallel to Soto’s is equally as sought-after and likely to appreciate right alongside Soto’s cards as both players’ careers progress.
Wander Franco (2021 Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor #87) – Franco made an immediate impact as one of the best prospects in baseball history when he debuted in 2021. He’s the rare five-tool shortstop and at just 21, has already shown he can hit for average and power at the highest level. Franco is the new face of the Rays franchise and has a real shot at being the best all-around shortstop of his generation. Among his scarce rookie refractors, the 2021 Topps Chrome Yellow stands out as one of his most iconic cards to own long-term.
Julio Rodríguez (2021 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto #BCP99) – Rodríguez exploded onto the scene in 2022 by winning the AL Rookie of the Year award at age 21 after hitting 28 home runs for the Mariners. He’s an elite five-tool talent with no apparent weaknesses who should be a perennial All-Star for years to come. While prices have risen on his cards, the 2021 Bowman Chrome Prospects autograph remains one of his scarcest and most coveted rookie cards. It’s a card collectors will want in their PC for years to come.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto #139) – At just 23, Vlad Jr. has already established himself as one of the best all-around hitters in baseball. He’s a reigning Silver Slugger winner and looks primed for multiple MVP caliber seasons in his prime. Like Acuña and Soto, Guerrero Jr.’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects autograph parallel is a true gem of a rookie card that will hold strong long-term value as his career progresses.
Luis Robert (2019 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto #BCP-99) – Robert has all the tools to be a perennial All-Star and he’s still just 25 years old. While injuries slowed his progress in 2022, when healthy he’s shown five-tool ability that could make him a future MVP candidate. His 2019 Bowman Chrome Prospects autograph is one of the scarcest Robert rookie cards and an excellent long-term hold, especially if he can stay on the field.
Bobby Witt Jr. (2021 Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor #87) – Witt made an immediate impact in 2022 by winning AL Rookie of the Year honors. He’s a true five-tool talent with no apparent weaknesses who should only get better with experience. At just 22, Witt has the skills and athleticism to be a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate for over a decade. Among his scarce rookie refractors, the yellow parallel from Topps Chrome stands out and will hold strong long-term value.
Spencer Strider (2022 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil #RF-SS) – Strider emerged as one of the best rookie pitchers in baseball in 2022, posting over 200 strikeouts as a starter/reliever for the Braves. At just 24, he has ace-caliber stuff and durability that could make him a perennial Cy Young contender. His scarce 2022 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil rookie refractor looks like a true long-term gem, especially if he continues developing into the frontline starter many expect.
Michael Harris II (2022 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil #RF-MH2) – Harris burst onto the scene for the Braves in 2022 by hitting .297 with 19 home runs as a 21-year-old rookie. He’s an elite defender with developing offensive skills and no apparent weaknesses. His scarce 2022 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil rookie refractor looks like an excellent long-term hold, especially if he continues progressing into the true five-tool star many scouts forecast.
Adley Rutschman (2022 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil #RF-AR) – While injuries slowed his debut, Rutschman looks like a future perennial All-Star as arguably the best pure catcher in baseball. He has elite plate discipline and power potential that could make him a multi-time Silver Slugger. His scarce 2022 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil rookie refractor is an excellent long-term hold, especially if he stays healthy and fulfills his immense potential.
Oneil Cruz (2022 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil #RF-OC) – Cruz exploded onto the scene in 2022 with his combination of plus power and elite speed for a 6’7″ shortstop. He has true 80-grade raw power that could make him a perennial 30-30 threat. His scarce 2022 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil rookie refractor looks like a true long-term gem, especially if he continues developing into the superstar many scouts forecast.
Bryce Harper (2012 Topps Chrome Update #US200) – Now 30, Harper is still in his prime and putting up MVP caliber numbers as the face of the Phillies. He’s a six-time All-Star and 2015 NL MVP who could win several more before he’s done. His 2012 Topps Chrome Update rookie refractor remains one of his most iconic cards from his early career and a strong long-term hold.
Mike Trout (2009 Topps Draft Picks and Prospects #34) – Trout is arguably the greatest player of all time and still going strong at 31 years old. As long as he stays healthy, he should continue putting up superstar numbers for several more seasons. His ultra-rare 2009 Topps Draft Picks and Prospects rookie card is one of the true holy grails of the hobby and will only gain in value as Trout solidifies his Hall of Fame case.
While vintage stars like Mantle and Trout will always hold immense value, today’s game features a new wave of young superstars who have Hall of Fame potential. By focusing on stars 25 years old or younger who have true five-tool talent or elite specialization, collectors can target cards like Soto, Acuña Jr., Vlad Jr., Witt Jr., Ohtani and more that have excellent chances to appreciate significantly as those players’ careers progress. Pairing affordable scarcity with likely long-term greatness makes these types of cards some of the best investments in the hobby right now.
