When it comes to investing in baseball cards, rookie cards often provide some of the best opportunities for appreciation. These early cards featuring players from their first year in the major leagues can gain tremendous value if that player goes on to have a successful career. With so many rookies throughout baseball history, deciding which cards represent the best investments requires researching players, studying the market, and considering several key factors.

Some of the most important things to look at include the player’s talent and potential, the status of their career so far, the rarity and condition of the card, and whether strong long-term demand is expected. By focusing on rookies that show exceptional ability, have produced strong results already, and are featured on scarce early-issue cards, investors can feel confident their holdings will retain and potentially increase in worth over many years.

With that in mind, here are some of the best baseball rookie cards to consider adding to an investment portfolio:

Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps (Grade PSA 10): Widely considered the most valuable baseball card in existence, Mantle’s rookie is the undisputed king as far as investment potential. In pristine condition, examples have sold for over $2 million due to his all-time great status and the card’s scarcity. Even lower graded copies command six-figure prices.

Mike Trout 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Superfractor (#/25): The highest-rated prospect ever, Trout has lived up to expectations by winning three MVP awards so far. This ultra-rare parallel version of his first Bowman card could be worth a fortune long-term. Even regular Chrome copies have gained exponentially in a short time.

Ken Griffey Jr. 1989 Upper Deck (#1 Pick): Griffey was a phenom from the start and his rookie UD card has remained one of the most coveted and valuable in the hobby. High grades have sold for over $100,000. The 1989 Fleer Griffey rookie is also a strong choice.

LeBron James 2003-04 Upper Deck First Pitch: While not a baseball card, LeBron’s basketball rookie holds value due to his status as arguably the greatest player of his generation. High grades have reached $100,000 as well.

Bryce Harper 2009 Bowman Sterling Prospect Patch Autograph (#/25): Harper lived up to the hype as the #1 pick and this ultra-rare patch card combines his star power with desirable autograph and serial number parallels. A true long-term blue chip.

Fernando Tatis Jr. 2019 Topps Chrome Update Negative Refractor Auto (#/5): Tatis burst onto the scene in 2019 and has All-Star potential. This extremely low-numbered refractor auto from his rookie year could appreciate tremendously if he continues ascending.

Juan Soto 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor (#/25): Soto’s pro debut was one of the best ever and this rare autographed refractor captures his stardom’s infancy. He’s just getting started and cards like this will gain as his career progresses.

Wander Franco 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto (#/99): Regarded as the top prospect in baseball, Franco is poised for superstardom. His first Bowman cards, especially low-numbered versions, are primed for huge returns.

Ronald Acuña Jr. 2018 Topps Chrome Update Negative Refractor Auto (#/5): Acuña exploded as a rookie and cards like this ultra-rare negative refractor auto showcase his early dominance. He’s already an MVP-caliber player at a young age.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 2018 Topps Chrome Update Negative Refractor Auto (#/5): Following in his father’s Hall of Fame footsteps, Guerrero Jr. has established himself as a cornerstone player. His earliest pro cards, especially short-printed refractors, could multiply in value rapidly.

Mookie Betts 2014 Topps Update #US50: Betts won the 2018 AL MVP and has become a perennial All-Star. This scarce update issue card from his early days highlights his breakout potential before he achieved superstardom. High grades have reached $10,000.

Mike Trout 2009 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects: While not an autograph or parallel, Trout’s base rookie is still an elite investment given his status as perhaps the best player of his generation. High grades have climbed above $10,000 as demand grows.

Albert Pujols 2000 Bowman Chrome Prospects Refractor Auto: Arguably the greatest right-handed hitter ever, Pujols’ earliest cards hold tremendous blue-chip value. This autographed refractor from before his rookie year is an amazing find in pristine condition.

Shohei Ohtani 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto Refractor (#/25): The two-way Japanese phenom’s earliest cards are primed to gain exponentially as he continues to dazzle on both sides of the ball. Parallel versions like this are true long shots.

Those represent some of the best baseball rookie cards to target for investment purposes based on the players’ careers, talents, scarcity factors, and potential for future appreciation. By focusing on stars of the present and future in their earliest certified issues, especially parallels and autographs, savvy collectors can select holdings with the highest upside over the long haul. Of course, investing in trading cards requires patience as value increases gradually, but top rookies from the players profiled here offer outstanding long-term growth potential.