Cheap Baseball Cards to Buy Now
Baseball cards have been a fun and affordable hobby for decades. Some cards can be quite expensive, especially those of star players from the past. But there are still plenty of great cheap baseball card options available for collectors of all budgets. This article will explore some of the best inexpensive baseball card purchases collectors can make right now.
Rookie and Prospect Cards from Recent Years
One of the best ways to find cheap cards is to look at recent rookie and prospect issues. While these players may not be household names yet, some could turn into stars of the future. Plus, you can get cards of up-and-coming talent for just pennies each. Here are some examples:
Wander Franco (2019 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto Refractor) – Franco is considered the top prospect in baseball and these cards can be found for under $10 still. He’s likely to rise in value quickly.
Jarred Kelenic (2020 Topps Chrome Prospects Refractor) – Kelenic has star potential and his rookie cards are very affordable at around $5 or less right now. As he develops, these could multiply in price.
Julio Rodriguez (2019 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto) – Rodriguez is a five-tool talent in the Mariners system. His autographed rookie cards can be found for $15-20, a bargain given his upside.
Bobby Witt Jr. (2021 Topps Chrome Blue Refractor Auto) – Witt has looked great in his MLB debut season. His 2021 autos are still under $30 but have room to appreciate.
Scouring recent prospect issues is a low-risk way to potentially find stars on the rise for cheap before they break out. Just be sure to do research on players’ talent levels and org rankings.
Baseball Heroes from the 80s and 90s
Cards from the 1980s and 1990s featuring baseball greats are quite affordable compared to their earlier rookie cards. You can build a collection of stars for just pennies on the dollar. Here are some examples:
Ken Griffey Jr. (1989 Upper Deck, PSA 8) – One of the most popular players ever, but his late-80s/early-90s rookie years can be found graded for under $20.
Cal Ripken Jr. (1981 Topps, PSA 8) – Ripken’s career is Hall of Fame worthy, and his ’81 rookie is very affordable in the $15-25 range graded.
Tony Gwynn (1982 Topps, PSA 8) – Future Hall of Famer Gwynn’s rookie year is easily obtainable for under $20 in nice condition.
Greg Maddux (1986 Topps, PSA 8) – One of the best pitchers ever, Maddux’s rookie is quite a steal for the $15-25 range.
Tom Glavine (1984 Topps, PSA 8) – A 300-game winner, Glavine’s early cards can be had for under $20 still.
While not their true rookie cards, finding 80s/90s cards of legends in great condition for under $25 is a real bargain for any collector. With time, these will likely appreciate well.
Baseball Stars on Inexpensive Teams
Sometimes the most affordable stars to collect are players on smaller market clubs. Their cards tend to be cheaper since they don’t carry the same cache as stars on huge franchises. But these players are still top talents worth following:
Shane Bieber (2020 Topps Chrome RC Refractor, PSA 10) – The 2020 AL Cy Young winner’s rookie refractors pop up for under $30 regularly.
José Ramírez (2012 Topps Update Chrome RC, PSA 10) – One of baseball’s best hitters plays in Cleveland, keeping his early cards below $50.
Brandon Woodruff (2017 Topps Update Chrome RC Refractor, PSA 10) – The Brewers ace’s prized rookie refractor rarely tops $40.
Lance Lynn (2008 Topps Chrome RC Refractor, PSA 10) – Now an All-Star, Lynn’s early RCs stay under $30.
Max Fried (2014 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto) – The Braves lefty can be had for $15-25, leaving room for growth.
Stars on smaller teams are overlooked by many collectors. Their cards remain great values for fans of the players and teams.
Baseball Legends’ Late Career and Post-Career Issues
For collectors on a tight budget, it’s possible to find cards from the later playing days and post-career years of baseball legends very inexpensively. While not their true rookie cards, these still feature all-time greats:
Nolan Ryan (1991 Topps, PSA 8) – Late in his career with Rangers, but still Ryan and affordable at $5-10.
Hank Aaron (1975 Topps, PSA 8) – Toward the end of his Braves tenure, under $15 graded.
Mike Piazza (2005 Topps Update, PSA 10) – Final season card of Hall of Famer rarely tops $20.
Rod Carew (1992 Topps, PSA 8) – Well after his best years but still under $10.
Rickey Henderson (2002 Topps, PSA 8) – Late career card of the all-time stolen base king for $5-10.
While their best and most valuable cards may be out of reach, finding playable cards of legends later in their careers is very budget-friendly. It allows collectors to still represent icons.
Baseball Card Packs and Boxes
For those looking to scratch the card opening itch on a budget, buying current year packs and boxes offers fun and affordability. Chances are slim to pull a true star, but the thrill is part of it:
2021 Topps Series 1 Hanger Box ($15-20) – Hangar boxes offer 10 packs and chances at rookies.
2022 Topps Series 1 Blaster Box ($20-25) – Larger blasters have 18 packs and usually 1 hit/relic.
2022 Bowman Mega Box ($30-35) – Loaded with prospects and color parallels.
2022 Donruss Hobby Box (Under $100) – Higher end but still a budget choice.
2022 Topps Chrome Hanger/Blaster (Under $25) – Chases include refractors and color.
While odds of a monster hit are low, current year products are affordable entertainment that could yield value risers down the road. It’s also how today’s stars first appear in collections.
With a bit of searching there are many great cheap baseball card options available right now that allow collectors to represent their favorite players and teams without breaking the bank. Focusing on recent prospects, 80s/90s heroes, smaller market stars, late career legends, and current year products offers budget-friendly collecting opportunities. With patience, some of these inexpensive cards could grow nicely in value too. Budget baseball card collecting remains very possible and enjoyable for fans of all levels.
