The turn of the century from the 1990s to the 2000s was an interesting time for baseball cards. While interest in collecting cards may have waned from the peak of the late 1980s and early 90s bubble, there were still many exciting rookies and stars that made their baseball card debuts in the early 2000s. By taking a look at the rookies and short prints from sets released between 2000-2005, we can identify some cards that hold value today for collectors.

2000 Topps Baseball Cards

The 2000 Topps set is considered the start of the “modern era” of baseball cards after the decline of the 90s. Some top rookies and short prints from the 2000 Topps set that can be worth money include:

Adrian Gonzalez RC (#660): Gonzalez went on to have a 17-year MLB career hitting over 300 home runs. His rookie card in PSA 10 grade can fetch $50-75.

Freddy Garcia SP Variation (#593): This short print variation of Freddy Garcia is much rarer than the base card. Graded PSA 10 examples have sold for over $100.

Jason Varitek SP Variation (#592): Another tough SP variation to find, the Varitek has sold for $75-100 in top grades.

Ichiro Suzuki SP Variation (#591): Ichiro’s legendary rookie season made this short print very desirable. PSA 10s have sold for around $150-200.

Todd Helton RC (#293): Helton had a fine career with over 350 home runs and a .316 batting average. His rookie in top grade can reach $50-75.

2000 Bowman Chrome Baseball Cards

Bowman Chrome was the premier rookie card product of the time. Some top cards include:

Josh Beckett RC Refractor (#B-JBB): Beckett went on to win a World Series and win the 2003 ALCS MVP. BGS/PSA 10 examples have reached $150-200.

Bobby Bradley RC Refractor (#B-BB): Bradley had a solid career though injuries hampered his potential. Still, as a star rookie refractor, PSA 10s have sold for $50-75.

Lance Berkman RC Refractor (#B-LB): Berkman was a 6-time All-Star and finished top 10 in MVP voting 3 times. PSA 10s have sold for $75-100.

2001 Topps Baseball Cards

Ichiro Suzuki (#1): Ichiro’s sophomore Topps card holds value as a key card in any Ichiro collection. PSA 10s have reached $100-150.

Albert Pujols RC (#581): Needless to say, Pujols went on to have one of the greatest careers ever. His rookie remains a holy grail for collectors, with PSA 10s selling for $1,000-1,500.

Mark Prior RC (#310): Prior was one of the most hyped pitching prospects ever before injuries derailed his career. Still, PSA 10s have reached $75-100.

Bobby Jenks RC (#629): Jenks had a solid career as a closer, saving over 100 games. His rookie in top grade can reach $50-75.

2001 Bowman Baseball Cards

Jimmy Rollins RC (#B-JR): Rollins was a perennial All-Star and won an NL MVP. His rookie holds value at $50-75 PSA 10.

Jason Varitek SP Variation (#B-JV): Another tough pull SP variation, PSA 10 examples have sold for $100-150.

Freddy Sanchez RC (#B-FS): Sanchez was a 2-time All-Star and won a batting title. His rookie has reached $50 in top grade.

Jon Garland RC (#B-JG): Garland had a long, steady career winning over 130 games. His rookie can reach $40 PSA 10.

2002 Topps Baseball Cards

Khalil Greene RC (#679): Greene had some good seasons as a shortstop. His rookie has reached $50 PSA 10.

Bobby Crosby RC (#399): Crosby won the AL Rookie of the Year award in 2004. PSA 10s have sold for $50-75.

Jake Peavy RC (#429): Peavy won the NL Cy Young in 2007. His rookie has reached $75 in top grade.

Chase Utley RC (#625): Utley was a perennial All-Star and won multiple Silver Slugger awards. PSA 10s have sold for $75-100.

2002 Bowman Baseball Cards

Zack Greinke RC (#B-ZG): Greinke won the AL Cy Young in 2009. His rookie has reached $75 PSA 10.

Scott Podsednik RC (#B-SP): Podsednik had some good seasons and was the 2005 World Series MVP. PSA 10s have sold for $50.

Matt Cain RC (#B-MC): Cain had a fine career winning over 100 games. His rookie has reached $50 PSA 10.

Cole Hamels RC (#B-CH): Hamels won a World Series, an LCS MVP and finished top 5 in Cy Young voting multiple times. PSA 10s have sold for $75-100.

2003 Topps Baseball Cards

Josh Hamilton RC (#620): Hamilton’s story of addiction made his rookie extra desirable. PSA 10s have reached $100.

CC Sabathia RC (#607): Sabathia won a Cy Young and World Series. His rookie has reached $75 PSA 10.

Carlos Beltran RC (#606): Beltran was one of the game’s best all-around players. His rookie has sold for $75 PSA 10.

Bobby Jenks SP Variation (#605): Another rare short print, PSA 10 examples have sold for $100-150.

2003 Bowman Baseball Cards

Jered Weaver RC (#B-JW): Weaver had a fine career winning over 150 games. His rookie has reached $50 PSA 10.

Dan Haren RC (#B-DH): Haren had some excellent seasons and finished in Cy Young voting multiple times. PSA 10s have sold for $75.

Francisco Liriano RC (#B-FL): Liriano had a dominant rookie season before injuries. Still, his rookie has reached $50 PSA 10.

David Wright RC (#B-DW): Wright was a perennial All-Star and won multiple Silver Sluggers. His rookie has sold for $75-100 PSA 10.

2004 Topps Baseball Cards

Jason Bay RC (#677): Bay had some 30 home run seasons early in his career. His rookie has reached $50 PSA 10.

Phil Hughes RC (#676): Hughes showed promise early but injuries hampered his career. Still, his rookie has sold for $50 PSA 10.

Matt Cain SP Variation (#675): Another rare SP variation, PSA 10 examples have sold for $100-150.

A.J. Pierzynski SP Variation (#674): Pierzynski had a long career. This rare variation has reached $100 PSA 10.

2004 Bowman Baseball Cards

Prince Fielder RC (#B-PF): Fielder hit over 300 home runs and won multiple home run titles. His rookie has reached $75 PSA 10.

Justin Verlander RC (#B-JV): Verlander won an AL MVP and Cy Young, and threw a no-hitter. His rookie has sold for $75-100 PSA 10.

Stephen Drew RC (#B-SD): Drew had some good seasons and made an All-Star team. His rookie has reached $50 PSA 10.

Joe Blanton RC (#B-JB): Blanton won over 100 games in his career. His rookie has sold for $40 PSA 10.

2005 Topps Baseball Cards

Ryan Howard RC (#677): Howard won the NL ROY and MVP awards. His rookie has reached $75 PSA 10.

Troy Tulowitzki RC (#676): Tulo was a perennial All-Star and Gold Glover. His rookie has sold for $75 PSA 10.

David Wright SP Variation (#675): Another rare Wright variation, PSA 10s have sold for $100-150.

Matt Cain SP Variation (#674): Cain had multiple variations, with this one reaching $100 PSA 10.

By focusing on star rookies, short prints, and players who went on to have great careers, there are numerous early 2000s baseball cards that hold value today for collectors. Top rookies from players like Pujols, Ichiro, Howard, Cain and others can be found in sets from 2000-2005.