When it comes to investing in sports cards, most collectors think of vintage cards from the 1980s and prior as the best options. There are also some excellent modern baseball cards from the past 20 years that have strong long-term investment potential. By modern, we generally mean cards produced from around 2000 to present day. While they may not see the same percentage gains as older cards, some modern issues can still appreciate nicely with the right player and card factors involved. Let’s take a look at some of the best modern baseball cards to consider adding to your investment portfolio.
Shohei Ohtani Rookie Cards (2018 Topps Series 1, 2018 Bowman Chrome, etc.)
Without question, one of the top modern baseball card investments has to be Shohei Ohtani rookie cards. The Japanese two-way star burst onto the MLB scene in 2018 with a historic rookie campaign where he excelled both as a pitcher and hitter. Not only is Ohtani one of the most talented and unique players in the game today, but he plays for the high-profile Los Angeles Angels franchise in a huge MLB market. This combination of elite on-field abilities and marketability makes Ohtani the total package.
While prices have risen quite a bit since 2018, his rookies still hold strong long-term value given Ohtani’s age (still only 27) and two-way playing potential. The most sought-after versions are the 2018 Topps Series 1 base card, 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect refractor, and 2018 Bowman Chrome autograph and memorabilia cards. Look for steady gains over the next 5-10 years as Ohtani continues to cement his legacy as one of the game’s true unicorns. Even a PSA 10 copy of his Topps rookie remains under $1,000, a bargain compared to where it could be in a decade.
Juan Soto Rookie Cards (2018 Topps Series 1, 2018 Bowman Chrome, etc.)
Like Ohtani, Juan Soto exploded onto the MLB scene as a teenager and immediately established himself as a true superstar. Winning the NL batting title at age 20 in 2020 only further validated his status. Soto plays for the Washington Nationals, giving him a solid big-market platform. He’s also signed long-term, removing any speculation about future free agency. That stability bodes well for the long-term strength of his rookie card market.
The 2018 Topps Series 1 base card remains the most common and recognised Soto rookie. But for investors, the higher-end parallels like refractors, autos, and memorabilia cards from 2018 Bowman and Bowman Chrome hold the greatest upside. Even PSA 10 examples of Soto’s Topps rookie have doubled+ in the last year alone. As one of the new young faces of MLB, Soto’s cards profile very similarly to past stars like Griffey, A-Rod and Harper and should be a steady riser.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Rookie Cards (2018 Topps Series 1, 2018 Bowman Chrome, etc.)
Like Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr. made an immediate impact as a teenager, winning the 2018 NL Rookie of the Year award. Playing for a big-market Atlanta Braves team that’s become a consistent contender boosts his profile. Acuña suffered a season-ending ACL tear in mid-2021 but is still just 23 and will have many prime years ahead.
The 2018 Topps Series 1 base remains the most iconic Acuña rookie along with colorful parallels like the gold. But like Soto, the higher-end prospects cards from 2018 Bowman and Bowman Chrome carry the biggest upside. Acuña’s cards have seen solid appreciation so far and with his elite five-tool talents and young age, they profile to be steady risers long-term as he builds his career resume. Even PSA 10 copies of his Topps rookie remain under $500, a bargain for such a dynamic young star’s flagship card.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Rookie Cards (2019 Topps Series 1, 2019 Bowman Chrome, etc.)
While Vlad Jr. took longer to adjust to MLB than some expected, he’s started to live up to the hype in the last year. Hitting .311 with 48 home runs in 2021 showed he has what it takes to be a true franchise cornerstone player for the Toronto Blue Jays. Like Acuña and Soto, Vlad Jr. made his MLB debut as a teenager, giving collectors a 10+ year window to enjoy his career.
The 2019 Topps Series 1 card is considered his true rookie and remains one of the most iconic modern cards. But the higher-end prospect refractor and autograph cards from 2019 Bowman and Bowman Chrome hold the biggest keys long-term. With Vlad Jr. now just 23 and starting to put it all together, his cards have significant room to appreciate as he continues developing into a true superstar. Even PSA 10 Topps rookies can still be had for under $300, a steal given his pedigree and upside.
Mike Trout Rookie Cards (2009 Topps Series 1, 2009 Bowman Chrome, etc.)
While not technically new investments anymore, Mike Trout rookies still offer incredible long-term potential given he’s still just 30 years old. Widely considered the best all-around player of his generation, Trout has achieved superstar status and annual MVP-caliber production for over a decade now playing for the Los Angeles Angels.
Trout’s 2009 Topps Series 1 rookie remains iconic but condition-sensitive PSA 10 copies now sell for $10,000+. His higher-end 2009 Bowman Chrome rookies like the super-refractor parallel offer the biggest ROI potential long-term. Trout looks poised to continue producing at an elite level into his mid-30s, giving rare modern cards like a PSA 10 Bowman Chrome superfractor room for 6-figure valuations down the road. His staying power and consistent greatness make Trout rookies a blue-chip, set-and-forget investment.
Fernando Tatis Jr. Rookie Cards (2019 Topps Series 1, 2019 Bowman Chrome, etc.)
While injuries limited Tatis in 2022, he remains one of the most electrifying young talents in the game when on the field. Capable of doing things that simply shouldn’t be possible for a shortstop, Tatis energizes baseball with his flair and elite 5-tool abilities. Playing for the San Diego Padres in a booming Southern California sports market only enhances his profile long-term.
Tatis’ small-number 2019 Topps Series 1 rookie remains one of the most iconic modern cards. But like the other young stars, his higher-end 2019 Bowman Chrome cards hold the biggest upside. With Tatis still just 23, he has prime years ahead to cement his status as a true franchise cornerstone. Even PSA 10 copies of his flagship Topps rookie remain under $1,000, a bargain for a player with his elite talents and marketability.
Wander Franco Rookie Cards (2021 Topps Series 1, 2021 Bowman Chrome, etc.)
At just 21 years old, Franco has already shown why he’s one of the top prospects of all-time by hitting .288 with 7 home runs in 70 games as a 19-year-old in 2021. Playing for a Tampa Bay Rays team that’s become a consistent contender only enhances his platform. With his combination of youth, five-tool talents, and stable big-market franchise situation, Franco’s cards have all the makings of a long-term investment powerhouse.
While still early in his career, Franco’s flagship 2021 Topps Series 1 rookie and higher-end 2021 Bowman Chrome cards profile similarly to Acuña, Soto and Vlad Jr. as rookies. Even PSA 10 copies of his Topps rookie remain under $300 currently. Franco has massive breakout superstar potential and his cards have significant room to appreciate as he develops over the next 5-10+ years still being so young.
While vintage cards from the 1980s and prior will always be the gold standard investment options, there are some excellent modern baseball cards that offer strong long-term potential if acquired now. Focusing on the elite young talents with superstar upside like Ohtani, Acuña, Soto, Vlad Jr., Tatis Jr., Franco and higher-end versions of Trout’s early cards profiles many options that have significant room for future appreciation. Patience will be required but adding a few of these blue-chip modern rookies to a portfolio now could yield strong long-term returns.
