With the baseball season underway, many collectors are looking to invest in promising rookie cards that could appreciate significantly in value over the coming years. Rookie cards for star players who break out in their first seasons can skyrocket in price as the players establish themselves as franchise cornerstones. While there are no guarantees in the sports card market, focusing on top prospects from the most recent rookie classes increases the chances of selecting cards that rise substantially. Here are some of the best baseball rookie cards for collectors to consider adding to their portfolios in 2021.
Wander Franco, Tampa Bay Rays (2020 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor) – Widely considered the best prospect in baseball, Franco has been dominant in his minor league career thus far. Still just 20 years old, he is expected to make his MLB debut sometime in 2021 and could immediately cement himself as a star. His rookie cards from 2020 Bowman are the hottest tickets in the hobby right now, with the prized Chrome Auto Refractor parallel carrying an average eBay sale price above $1,000. Franco’s rare combination of five-tool talent, youth, and hype make this one of the single-best investments in the entire baseball card market.
Jo Adell, Los Angeles Angels (2019 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor) – After debuting in 2020 and showing tantalizing flashes of his potential, Adell is primed for a breakout season as he continues to develop in the Angels’ outfield. The 21-year-old was one of the top prospects in baseball and his rookie cards reflect that status. The prized Chrome Auto parallel from 2019 Bowman routinely sells for $400-500 in strong condition. With MVP-caliber upside and playing time all but assured in 2021, Adell could explode onto the scene and carry his cards right along with him.
MacKenzie Gore, San Diego Padres (2019 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor) – Gore has it all – a high-octane fastball, plus secondary pitches, pinpoint control, and ace-level projections. The lefty is widely considered to have the highest ceiling of any pitching prospect in baseball. After making his MLB debut in 2020, Gore will likely break camp with the Padres this season and could lock down a spot in their rotation for years to come. His 2019 Bowman Chrome Autos average over $350 currently and have plenty of room to appreciate further if Gore dominates as expected.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (2019 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor) – The son of former big leaguer Bobby Witt, Jr. has all the tools to be an absolute superstar. He was considered a candidate to be the first overall pick in 2019 before slipping to the Royals at #2. Witt possesses elite power, speed, and defensive chops and has done nothing but hit since turning pro. He may start 2021 in the minors but seems destined for stardom. His 2019 Bowman Chrome Autos have doubled from their issue price in the past year and still have potential left to gain.
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles (2019 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor) – As the top pick in the 2019 draft and consensus #1 prospect in all of baseball entering 2021, Rutschman is the total package behind the plate. He has a powerful right-handed bat and Gold Glove defense that should keep him locked in as Baltimore’s long-term franchise catcher. His 2019 Bowman Chrome Autos are still very affordable compared to his immense upside, averaging around $200-250 in strong condition. With the Orioles set to unveil their next wave of young stars, Rutschman could be the catalyst for an exciting future in Charm City.
Luis Robert, Chicago White Sox (2019 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor) – After a strong rookie season that saw him finish second in the AL Rookie of the Year voting, Robert looks poised for superstardom in 2021. The 23-year-old Cuban sensation has five-tool talent and has already shown 20/20 potential. His 2019 Bowman Chrome Autos have more than doubled from their issue price of $100 following his breakout 2020 campaign. With the White Sox primed for postseason contention, Robert could be the catalyst for a deep playoff run and further increases in his already rising rookie card values.
Casey Mize, Detroit Tigers (2018 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor) – The number one overall pick in the 2018 draft, Mize has looked dominant since turning pro with a plus fastball and devastating curveball. He made his MLB debut in 2020 and will likely slot into Detroit’s rotation for the long haul this season. His 2018 Bowman Chrome Autos have steadily gained value and now average around $250-300 as collectors bet on Mize establishing himself as the Tigers’ new ace. With his talent and pedigree, stardom seems destined.
Gavin Lux, Los Angeles Dodgers (2019 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor) – Lux has all the tools to be a perennial All-Star for the powerhouse Dodgers for years to come. After debuting in 2019 and showing flashes in 2020, Lux seems primed for a full breakout season in 2021 playing every day. His 2019 Bowman Chrome Autos have doubled from their issue price and have plenty more room to appreciate if Lux becomes the superstar many expect. Playing in big markets like LA only increases the spotlight and popularity for stars like Lux.
Dustin May, Los Angeles Dodgers (2018 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor) – One of the prized arms in the vaunted Dodgers rotation, May has electric stuff and the composure of a veteran at just 23 years of age. He looked dominant in his first full MLB season in 2020 with a promising 3.26 ERA over 10 starts. May’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Autos have steadily gained value following his emergence and average around $250 currently. With ace-level potential and the LA market behind him, May seems poised for stardom and further returns on his already rising rookie cards.
Brendan McKay, Tampa Bay Rays (2017 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor) – A two-way star as both a pitcher and hitter in the minor leagues, McKay made his MLB debut in 2019 and looked solid in limited action. He will compete for the Rays’ rotation or designated hitter spot in 2021. At just 24 years old, McKay has the upside of a perennial All-Star if he puts it all together. His 2017 Bowman Chrome Autos are still relatively affordable compared to his immense potential, averaging around $150-200 currently. With the Rays’ player development track record, McKay could be a breakout star.
Focusing on elite prospects from the most recent rookie classes like Franco, Adell, Gore, Witt Jr., Rutschman, Robert, Mize, Lux, May and McKay gives collectors a strong chance of selecting cards that could appreciate significantly over the next few years. All have the talent and opportunity to become franchise cornerstones, captivate fanbases, and drive demand for their early career cards to new heights. With the 2021 season underway, one or more of these young stars may emerge to become the next big thing in baseball. Their rookie cards stand to gain the most if they do.
