With the baseball season in full swing, many collectors are looking to the hot prospects and rising stars of the game as potential long-term investments in the baseball card market. While iconic vintage cards from the 1950s and 1960s will always hold value, today’s savvy collectors are focusing on cards of current players who have breakout potential. Some analysts are even predicting a rebound in the baseball card market overall in 2016. With that in mind, here are some of the best baseball cards to consider investing in for this year and beyond:
Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels (2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Picks Refractors #66) – Widely considered the best all-around player in baseball today, Trout has already cemented himself as a future first-ballot Hall of Famer despite only being 24 years old. His rare 2009 rookie card from Bowman Chrome is one of the key chase cards on the market. Only 99 copies of the refractors version were produced, and gem mint copies have already started to eclipse the $10,000 price point. With Trout in the prime of his career and signed long-term with the Angels, his cards should continue appreciating significantly for years to come.
Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals (2010 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Picks Refractors #88) – Like Trout, Harper has established himself as a true five-tool superstar at a very young age (23). Also limited to just 99 copies produced, Harper’s prized rookie refractors from Bowman Chrome have already more than doubled in value over the past year. He’s signed through the 2018 season in D.C. and could push Trout for the mantle of best player in baseball before long. Condition-sensitive Harper rookies are a sound portfolio addition.
Mookie Betts, Boston Red Sox (2014 Topps Update #US-MB) – Betts exploded onto the scene in 2015 by winning the American League batting title at age 22 while playing stellar defense in right field for the World Series champs. He’s signed through 2020 and is poised for superstardom. His affordable 2014 Update rookie is primed to appreciate significantly as Betts’ career blossoms. Look for a price spike if he wins AL MVP this season.
Corey Seager, Los Angeles Dodgers (2015 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP90) – Widely considered a can’t-miss prospect coming up through the Dodgers system, the 21-year-old Seager has wasted no time proving it in the majors. His slick defense at shortstop and advanced hitting skills have him looking like a perennial All-Star. The prized 2015 Bowman Chrome rookie is still under $100 but should multiply in value as Seager locks down the Dodgers position for years to come.
Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs (2015 Topps #373) – After winning NL Rookie of the Year honors in 2015 while helping to lead the Cubs’ revival, Bryant looks poised for superstardom on baseball’s biggest stage in Chicago. His affordable flagship Topps rookie card is an easy addition for any portfolio. With his five-tool skills and the Cubs’ World Series aspirations, Bryant’s star will only continue rising.
Carlos Correa, Houston Astros (2015 Topps #373) – The first overall pick in the 2012 draft, Correa has quickly developed into a cornerstone player for the improving Astros at just 21 years old. His slick defense and mature approach at the plate have drawn comparisons to a young Derek Jeter. The affordable 2015 Topps rookie is a bargain for such a polished young talent who could be collecting hardware for years in Houston.
Noah Syndergaard, New York Mets (2015 Topps Update #US-NS) – “Thor” has burst onto the scene as one of the most dominating pitchers in baseball in his first full season. The sheer power of his right arm has drawn comparisons to a young Randy Johnson. His affordable 2015 Update rookie is a great long-term play on continued success with the Mets. Look for his card values to spike if he wins the NL Cy Young in the coming years.
Francisco Lindor, Cleveland Indians (2015 Topps Update #US-FL) – Still just 22, Lindor has already established himself as one of the premier young shortstops in baseball. His combination of slick defense, speed, and a polished hitting approach have him looking like a perennial All-Star for years to come in Cleveland. His affordable 2015 Update rookie is poised for big returns as Lindor’s star continues rising.
Dansby Swanson, Atlanta Braves (2015 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP60) – The number one overall pick in the 2015 draft, Swanson rocketed through the minors to make his MLB debut by the end of the season. He immediately showed polished all-around skills that have the Braves viewing him as their shortstop of the future. His rare rookie cards from 2015 Bowman Chrome are still very affordable but should multiply in value quickly as Swanson establishes himself in Atlanta.
Julio Urias, Los Angeles Dodgers (2015 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP100) – Still just 19 years old, Urias has already made a successful jump to the majors thanks to his advanced pitching skills. He looks poised to become the Dodgers’ new ace in short order. His rare 2015 Bowman Chrome rookie cards are bargains now but should explode in value over the next few years as Urias dominates hitters who are often five or more years his senior.
While vintage stars like Mickey Mantle and Ted Williams will always hold cachet, today’s savvy collectors are looking to invest in the emerging stars who are just starting to make their mark. Young talents like Trout, Harper, Betts, Bryant, Correa, Syndergaard, Lindor, Swanson, and Urias represent the best opportunities to get in early on future Hall of Famers and accumulate cards that could appreciate significantly over the long run. With strong performances on the field in 2016, any of these players could see a major spike in the value of their rookie cards. Collectors positioning themselves now stand to earn big returns by getting in ahead of the curve on baseball’s next generation of stars.
