The baseball card collecting hobby has seen a resurgence in popularity over the past few years. Thanks to increased scarcity and high prices of vintage cards from the 1950s-1980s, modern rookie cards and prospect autographs have become highly sought after. Here are some of the biggest baseball cards that collectors are chasing in today’s market:

Soto Rookie Auto RC – Juan Soto had one of the best rookie seasons in 2018 history, finishing second in NL ROY voting. His 2018 Topps Chrome Update Red Refractor Auto RC /99 is among the most valuable modern rookie cards, regularly fetching $1,000-2,000 raw on the secondary market. Soto mania shows no signs of slowing down and this is considered his flagship rookie card. As one of the faces of baseball, Soto’s star power alone makes it a blue chip investment long term.

Acuña Rookie Auto RC – Similarly, Ronald Acuña Jr. burst onto the scene in 2018 and established himself as a superstar. His Topps Chrome Update Red Refractor Auto RC /99 is right up there with Soto’s as one of the must-have modern RCs. Prices have been steady around $1,000-1,500 but there’s belief these will appreciate significantly considering Acuña’s age (23) and skill set. Like Soto, he energized an entire franchise and fanbase and could eventually reach Trout/Harper status.

Vlad Jr. Rookie Cards – Even though he struggled in his 2019 MLB debut, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is considered a generational talent and top prospect. His flagship 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /250 and 2018 Bowman Platinum Auto RC /299 command massive sums – the latter recently selling for nearly $5,000. There’s confidence Vlad Jr. will put it together and become the superstar he’s projected as. His rookies have held value well and interest remains high.

Wander Franco RCs – Still just 19, Wander Franco is thought by many to be the best pure hitting prospect of the last few decades. He absolutely raked in 2019 across multiple minor league levels. His 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /499 and 2019 Bowman Chrome Yellow Auto RC /150 are white hot on the market, often fetching over $1,000 apiece thanks to sky-high long term potential. Franco mania is growing and these cards are superb speculative long term holds.

Ohtani Rookie Cards – Shohei Ohtani’s stateside debut with the Angels in 2018 was nothing short of electrifying. The two-way star showcased awe-inspiring pitching and hitting talents. His 2018 Topps Series 1 RC and Topps Series 2 RC remain two of the biggest modern release cards, still selling in the $150-$300 range on average. Should Ohtani stay healthy and live up to immense hype, these have massive upside as a true unique talent.

Alvarez Rookie Cards – Though limited MLB time in 2019, Yordan Alvarez immediately showcased elite power for the Astros. The Cuban masher wowed in his brief debut and remains a fixture in Houston’s lineup. His flagship rookie, the 2019 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /99, commands top dollar around $600-800 raw based on All-Star potential. He remains one of the game’s most dangerous young hitters and his cards could appreciate significantly.

Acuna Patch Cards – While his flagship rookie cards lead the way, Acuña collectors also drool over his incredible low-numbered patch autographs. Highlights include 2018 Topps Triple Threads Patch Autograph /10, 2019 Stadium Club Triple Patch Auto /5, and 2018 Topps Archives Photo Patch Auto /25. These ultra-rare game used memorabilia cards typically sell in the $3,000-$5,000+ range depending on specific serial number. For Acuña superfans, they are true holy grails.

Tatis Jr. RCs – Fernando Tatis Jr. had a breakout 2019 that established him as a true superstar. His rookie cards immediately skyrocketed, including the flagship 2018 Topps Chrome Prospect Auto RC /50 and 2019 Bowman Chrome Yellow Auto RC /25. With his dynamic all-around game at just 21, these are long term blue chip holds. Condition sensitive Topps Chrome RCs especially have been bringing $600-$1,000 consistently.

Bichette RCs – In 2019, Bo Bichette proved himself as the complete package with the Blue Jays. His MLB debut was nothing short of dazzling. Top regarded RCs include the flagship 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /299 and 2018 Bowman Platinum Auto RC /299. Still commanding $300-$500 raw thanks to All-Star potential realization. He’s a core piece of Toronto’s young core.

Robert RCs – Luis Robert dazzled in the minors in 2019 and is finally debuting with the White Sox this season. His star power alone makes 2018 Bowman Chrome Auto RC /499 and 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /150 two of the hottest cards out there, with prices often north of $500 each as collectors await his arrival. With 5-tool talents, these are no doubt long term cornerstones for Sox fan collections.

Gorman Chrome Autos – Nolan Gorman has risen to the top of the Cardinals farm system with prodigious power. His autographed rookie cards like the 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /99 and 2019 Bowman Chrome Auto RC /499 demand big money, often fetching $300-$500 based on the belief he will be a mainstay in St. Louis for years. With generational raw power and hype around his development, these are prime speculative investments.

So in summary – flagship rookie autos of today’s young superstars like Acuña, Soto, Vlad Jr., Tatis Jr. and more continue to drive the modern market. Meanwhile low-numbered patches, prospects with sky-high hype like Franco and Robert, plus emerging young stars keep collector interest abundant. It’s an exciting time for those chasing the next generation of baseball legends.