When it comes to investing in baseball cards, most collectors focus on stars of the past. One of the most profitable strategies is to invest in the top prospects of the future. These young players have yet to establish themselves at the major league level, allowing their rookie cards to be acquired at affordable prices compared to what they could be worth down the road.
Of course, there is risk involved, as not every prospect pans out as expected. Injuries, lack of development, or failures to adapt to MLB can derail even the most highly-touted minor leaguers. By doing research on a player’s skill set, stats, pedigree within their organization, and industry rankings, savvy collectors can gain an edge in identifying the prospects most likely to succeed.
With that in mind, here are some of the best baseball prospect cards to consider adding to your portfolio if you want to invest in the stars of tomorrow:
Wander Franco, Tampa Bay Rays – Widely considered the top overall prospect in baseball, the switch-hitting shortstop has drawn comparisons to Alex Rodriguez for his combination of power, speed, and batting instincts. Franco hit .327 with 10 home runs as a 19-year-old in Double-A in 2019 and should reach the majors by 2021. His 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor card in pristine condition could be worth $1,000+ if he fulfills his potential.
Jo Adell, Los Angeles Angels – Adell has five-tool talent and plus speed that allows him to impact games in many ways. He hit .289 with 10 homers in just 46 games at Triple-A in 2019 before an injury ended his season. With Mike Trout getting older, Adell could be the next centerpiece of the Angels’ offense. His 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor sells in the $300-400 range now but could multiply in value.
MacKenzie Gore, San Diego Padres – Ranked as the top left-handed pitching prospect in baseball, Gore has three potential plus pitches and the makeup to dominate as a frontline starter. He struck out over 10 batters per nine innings between Low-A and High-A in 2019 at age 20. Gore’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor in a PSA 10 gem mint could be a $1,000 investment within a few years.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals – The son of former major leaguer Bobby Witt, this shortstop was taken second overall in the 2019 draft and quickly showed why with a .290 average and 10 home runs in his debut. Witt has plus power from both sides of the plate and the hands for batting titles. His 2019 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor could rise above $500 if he becomes a perennial All-Star.
Gavin Lux, Los Angeles Dodgers – Lux tore through Double-A and Triple-A in 2019 with a .347 average and 26 home runs, showcasing why he is one of the top pure hitters in the minors. He made his MLB debut at age 21 and will likely be an everyday player by 2021. Lux’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor in pristine condition could net $400-500 in the coming years.
Casey Mize, Detroit Tigers – The number one overall pick in the 2018 draft, the right-handed Mize has three plus pitches including a devastating splitter. He struck out nearly a batter per inning between High-A and Double-A in 2019. Mize is on the fast track and profiles as a future ace. His 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor could be worth $750-1,000 if he makes good on his promise.
Nico Hoerner, Chicago Cubs – A smart, contact-oriented hitter with surprising pop, Hoerner hit .284 with 30 doubles and eight homers between Double-A and Triple-A in 2019 before his MLB debut. He should lock down second base for the Cubs for years. Hoerner’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor in pristine condition could net $300-500 based on his upside.
Dylan Carlson, St. Louis Cardinals – The switch-hitting Carlson has a polished all-around game and hit .292 with 26 extra-base hits between Double-A and Triple-A as a 21-year-old in 2019. He could start in the Cardinals’ outfield as early as 2021. Carlson’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor in a PSA 10 could be worth $400-600.
Cristian Pache, Atlanta Braves – Considered one of the elite defensive outfield prospects in baseball, Pache also made strides at the plate in 2019 by hitting 12 homers and stealing 21 bases between Double-A and Triple-A. He has the upside of a five-tool star and his spot could be waiting in 2021. Pache’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor sells in the $200-300 range now.
Brendan McKay, Tampa Bay Rays – A two-way star as the fourth overall pick in the 2017 draft, McKay struck out over 11 batters per nine innings as a starting pitcher in the minors in 2019 while also hitting .265 with six homers. The Rays will develop him as either a frontline starter or impact bat. McKay’s 2017 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor could reach $500.
Michael Kopech, Chicago White Sox – Injuries have slowed Kopech’s progression, but when healthy the hard-throwing righty sits in the upper 90s with a plus slider and curve. He made four starts for the White Sox in 2018 with 11 strikeouts in 13 innings. Kopech’s 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor in pristine condition could be a $400-500 investment.
Forrest Whitley, Houston Astros – Inconsistent command has hindered Whitley so far, but the stuff and size are there for him to develop into a frontline starter. He has a mid-90s fastball and hard curveball. If Whitley puts it together, his 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor could net $300-400 based on his upside.
Luis Robert, Chicago White Sox – Signed out of Cuba in 2017, Robert has five-tool talent with plus speed and raw power. He hit .328 with 32 extra-base hits between High-A and Double-A in 2019 at age 22. Robert’s 2017 Bowman Prospect Auto Refractor sells in the $200-300 range now but could multiply in value.
Jesus Luzardo, Oakland A’s – After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2018, the hard-throwing Luzardo returned in 2019 to strike out 49 batters in 40.2 minor league innings. He made his MLB debut and will likely join the A’s rotation full-time in 2021. Luzardo’s 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor could be worth $300-500 based on his upside.
A.J. Puk, Oakland A’s – Another hard-throwing lefty for the A’s, Puk has battled injuries but profiles as a potential frontline starter if he can stay healthy. His four-seam fastball sits 95-98 mph. Puk’s 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor in pristine condition could net $300-500.
Of course, investing in prospects carries more risk than collecting stars from the past. But by doing research on a player’s skills, makeup, pedigree and industry rankings/lists, savvy collectors can gain an edge in identifying the minor leaguers most likely to succeed. If targeted properly, baseball prospect cards provide an opportunity to acquire future Hall of Famers at affordable prices before they become household names.
