When it comes to investing in baseball cards, the year 2017 presents many exciting opportunities for savvy collectors. With the rise of stars like Mike Trout and Bryce Harper, as well as hall of fame bound players like Clayton Kershaw entering their primes, there are certain cards that have strong chances to significantly increase in value over the next several years. By researching players, teams, and card trends, collectors can identify cards that represent sound long term investments.
One of the surest bets for investment potential in 2017 are the rookie cards of superstars who are still in the early stages of what look to be legendary careers. Mike Trout’s 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Superfractor autograph card is a great example. Trout has established himself as perhaps the best player in baseball today and is still only 25 years old, leaving many more great seasons ahead of him. His rookie cards have already increased dramatically in value but still have room for further appreciation as he cements his hall of fame resume. Another strong choice is Bryce Harper’s 2010 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Superfractor autograph. Harper won NL MVP in 2015 at just 23 years old and looks poised for a long run of stardom in Washington. His cards have followed a similar price trajectory to Trout and also have significant future upside.
In addition to established young stars, keeping an eye on the rookie cards of players who broke out in 2016 is wise. Corey Seager of the Dodgers had an incredible rookie campaign, winning NL Rookie of the Year while helping lead LA to the NL West title. His 2016 Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractor autograph #66 and other parallels from his rookie set hold great long term promise as he continues what looks to be a hall of fame career. Similarly, Cubs slugger Kris Bryant had a breakout 2015 season, winning NL MVP, and followed it up with another all-star campaign in 2016 while helping Chicago to its first World Series title in over a century. Bryant’s 2014 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Superfractor autograph and other key rookies hold strong future value as he remains in his mid-20s prime.
Beyond individual players, focusing on teams that seem poised for success in the coming years can yield rewarding baseball card investments. The Cubs’ first World Series win in over a century instantly increased demand for cards from their young core of stars like Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Addison Russell. Continued championship contention in the coming seasons will likely drive prices even higher on cards from this era of Cubs baseball. The same logic applies to teams like the Dodgers, who are loaded with young talent and have deep pockets that could see them competing for titles for years. Cards from the current Dodgers squad including Seager, Joc Pederson, Corey Kershaw, and others offer strong chances to increase in value as the franchise builds on its recent success.
Pitchers also present opportunities, as elite arms often sustain high values throughout lengthy careers. Clayton Kershaw is not yet 30 but is already considered one of the greatest pitchers ever. His cards from the early part of his career, including his 2011 Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractor autograph #150, hold great long term upside as he continues racking up accolades and chase 300 career wins. Similarly, Max Scherzer has re-established himself as one of baseball’s most dominant hurlers after signing a record free agent deal with Washington. His cards from his early Tigers tenure like his 2009 Topps Chrome Draft Pick autograph remain relatively affordable but have room to grow as his hall of fame case strengthens in the years ahead.
In addition to focusing on individual players and teams, keeping an eye on certain card sets and parallels within those sets can yield rewards. Chrome cards, whether from Bowman, Topps, or other manufacturers, tend hold their value very well due to the refractors, colors, and parallels within those sets. The same applies to high end parallels like Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractors that are limited to only 1 per case. Such scarce parallel cards of star players are almost guaranteed to increase substantially in value over time due to their rarity. Autograph cards, especially those on prospect cards of players before they debut, also have strong histories of appreciation and remain relatively affordable for the biggest names.
By doing research, targeting up-and-coming young stars, hall of famers in their primes, elite teams, scarce parallels, and high-end prospect autographs, collectors can identify baseball cards well positioned to significantly increase in value throughout 2017 and beyond. With stars like Trout, Harper, Kershaw and others leading the way on the field, their early career cards offer compelling long term investment opportunities in the trading card market this year. By buying the right cards from the right players and teams, collectors can build portfolios sure to appreciate dramatically with every new accolade and championship. With a little luck and savvy selection, the best baseball cards to invest in for 2017 offer chances for rewards extending far into the future.
