When it comes to investing in baseball cards as a collector or someone looking to potentially make money down the road, rookie cards often represent some of the best options. These are a player’s first officially licensed baseball card released during their rookie season in Major League Baseball. With the right rookie cards from star players, they can gain exponentially in value as that player’s career progresses and they achieve milestones or are elected to the Hall of Fame.
Some key things that make certain rookie cards more desirable than others and better investments include the player’s talent and potential, the year they debuted, the scarcity and condition of the card, and whether they went on to have a highly successful MLB career. Let’s take a look at some of the best baseball rookie cards for collectors to target if looking to add premier rookies to their collection or portfolio.
Mike Trout 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft RC BGS 9.5 – Widely considered the greatest baseball player of this generation, Mike Trout has done nothing but dominate MLB since debuting in 2011. His 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft rookie card remains one of the holy grails for collectors. In a BGS 9.5 gem mint grade, examples have sold for over $400,000 due to Trout’s age, talent level, and career accomplishments already which are sure to grow. He’s a perennial MVP candidate and at just 29, has many prime years still ahead.
Ronald Acuña Jr. 2018 Bowman Chrome Purple RC PSA 10 – As one of baseball’s brightest young stars, Ronald Acuña Jr. burst onto the scene in 2018 with the Atlanta Braves. His prized rookie card is the 2018 Bowman Chrome Purple refractor which looks even better in a flawless PSA 10 gem mint grade. High-grade examples have reached over $20,000 with Acuña still just 22 and with likely many more All-Star and award-winning seasons to come. He’s a five-tool talent who should continue putting up big numbers.
Juan Soto 2018 Bowman Chrome RC PSA 10 – Much like Acuña, Juan Soto announced his arrival in 2018 for the Washington Nationals at just 19 years old. He’s already a two-time All-Star and one of MLB’s best hitters. In pristine PSA 10 condition, his coveted 2018 Bowman Chrome rookie card has sold for over $10,000. At only 21, Soto has demonstrated he may have a career that rivals some of the game’s all-time great hitters. He represents a sound long-term investment opportunity.
Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps RC PSA 8 – Widely considered the most valuable baseball card in existence, high-grade examples of Mickey Mantle’s legendary 1952 Topps rookie card can fetch millions. Even in just an above average PSA 8 condition, they sell for well over $100,000. As one of the best players ever who sadly passed away in 1995, Mantle cards from his playing days hold a special place in the hobby. His rookie is the ultimate trophy card for any collection.
Ken Griffey Jr. 1989 Upper Deck RC PSA 9 – During the late 1980s and 1990s, Ken Griffey Jr. was arguably baseball’s biggest star with his effortless power and charismatic play. His ultra-popular 1989 Upper Deck rookie card remains a must-have for collectors. PSA 9 near mint copies have sold for around $15,000 due to Griffey’s Hall of Fame career and iconic status in the game. The card features sharp photography and was produced during the early years of the modern baseball card boom.
Fernando Tatis Jr. 2019 Topps Chrome RC PSA 10 – As one of today’s most exciting young talents, Fernando Tatis Jr. made his presence known for the San Diego Padres in 2019. His flagship rookie from Topps Chrome looks spectacular in a flawless PSA 10 gem mint grade. Examples have reached over $5,000 as Tatis continues developing into a perennial MVP candidate at just 21 years old. He brings energy and flair to the field on a nightly basis that makes him a fan favorite.
Pete Alonso 2018 Topps Chrome RC PSA 10 – Pete Alonso exploded onto the MLB scene in 2019 by setting the rookie home run record. That breakout campaign has made his 2018 Topps Chrome rookie one of the most sought-after modern cards. High-grade PSA 10 specimens have crossed $3,000 with Alonso establishing himself as the future face of the New York Mets franchise. At just 25, he’s already a two-time All-Star with a power bat that should produce huge numbers for years.
Jacob deGrom 2009 Bowman Chrome RC PSA 9 – Widely regarded as the best pitcher in baseball today, Jacob deGrom has put together a resume that will likely land him in Cooperstown someday. A near mint PSA 9 example of his coveted 2009 Bowman Chrome rookie sold for over $2,000. At 32, deGrom is still in his prime and poised to add more Cy Young Awards and perhaps even an MVP to his accolades. He represents a sound long-term investment due to his elite talent and track record of excellence.
Bryce Harper 2009 Bowman Chrome RC PSA 10 – Ever since debuting as a teen prodigy in 2012, Bryce Harper has been one of baseball’s brightest stars. His pristine 2009 Bowman Chrome rookie in a PSA 10 gem mint grade has reached $1,500 at auction. Now just 27, Harper is a former MVP and sure-fire Hall of Famer if he stays healthy. While his free agency created uncertainty, his immense talent and marketability continue making this one of the premier modern rookie cards to own.
Vladimir Guerrero 2004 Bowman Chrome RC PSA 9 – Inducted into Cooperstown in 2018, Vladimir Guerrero was one of the most feared hitters of his generation with prodigious power and plate discipline. His coveted 2004 Bowman Chrome rookie looks sharp in a high PSA 9 grade and has sold for over $1,000. “Vladdy” was must-see TV every time he stepped to the plate and put together a Hall of Fame career. His cards remain popular with collectors.
Rafael Devers 2016 Bowman Chrome RC PSA 10 – Still just 23, Rafael Devers has already established himself as a cornerstone player for the Boston Red Sox. High-grade examples of his 2016 Bowman Chrome rookie in pristine PSA 10 condition have topped $1,000 based on Devers’ young age and all-around offensive skills that could see him compile huge career numbers. He’s considered one of the best young third basemen in baseball today with superstar potential.
Sandy Koufax 1956 Topps RC PSA 8 – One of the greatest pitchers who ever lived, Sandy Koufax revolutionized left-handed hurling in the 1960s for the Dodgers. Even well-worn copies of his elusive 1956 Topps rookie card sell for $1,000+ due to his Hall of Fame resume. The card is a true piece of baseball history from a player who dominated when he was active despite retiring young. Koufax cards from his playing days remain highly collectible.
This covers some of the cream of the crop baseball rookie cards that should be strong long-term investments based on the players’ talents, careers accomplished already, and future potential. It’s important to note investing in trading cards does carry risks – grades can potentially downgrade, injuries could derail someone’s career, or the market could change. Do thorough research, buy within budget, and collect cards because you enjoy the players and sport. Top rookies of stars still active from the likes of Acuña, Soto, Tatis, deGrom and more offer a solid balance of appreciation upside and fun for any collection.
