Tag Archives: 2020

BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE 2020 DONRUSS

The 2020 Donruss baseball card set was released in late 2019 and offers collectors a wide variety of cards to purchase featuring today’s top MLB stars. Donruss is a long-standing brand known for producing high-quality cardboard that focuses on photography over illustrations. Their releases consistently offer collectors bang for their buck in terms of the number of base cards and parallels included.

The 2020 Donruss base set contains 382 total cards spanning all 30 MLB teams. Rosters are complete going 25 or more players deep for each club. The photography on the base cards is sharp and captures the athletes in action shots on the field. While there are no autographs or memorabilia cards in the base set, collectors can find plenty of rookie cards and stars at affordable prices. Some top rookies that debuted in 2019 like Pete Alonso, Yordan Alvarez, and Mike Soroka have base rookies available relatively cheaply.

In addition to the base set, Donruss also produces various parallels and inserts that can be found for sale. Their parallels tend to focus on photo variations rather than numbering. The most common include “Green” parallels featuring a tinted photo, “Gold” parallels with foil lettering on the front, and “Silver” parallels with a silver foil treatment. These parallel cards don’t drastically increase the value compared to the base but add variety for collectors. Numbered parallels like “Blue” /499 or “Red” /250 are also inserted less frequently.

One of the inserts collectors look to pull is the “Diamond Kings” subset. These highlight some of the game’s top stars in gorgeous full-bleed action shots. Players like Christian Yelich, Cody Bellinger, and Ronald Acuña Jr. have some of the most sought-after Diamond Kings cards. While they aren’t numbered, the photography and production quality make these inserts a popular choice. Other inserts include “League Leaders” highlighting statistical categories, “Stars of the Game” spotlighting clutch playoff performances, and “Diamond Greats” honoring retired legends of the sport.

When it comes to buying individual 2020 Donruss cards, there are plenty of options available online through various card marketplace sites. For raw base cards, collectors can expect to pay around $0.50-$1.00 per card depending on the player. Stars like Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, and Cody Bellinger will generally be $2-5 while top rookies may run $5-10 each. The parallels don’t vary too much from these base prices.

Where collectors will pay a premium is for rookie autographs and memorabilia cards. Top prospects like Gavin Lux, Carter Kieboom, and Bo Bichette have autographed rookie cards available for $50-150 depending on the parallel. Rarer 1/1 printing plates can fetch over $500. Memorabilia cards with uniform swatches or bat pieces from stars are in the $100-300 range usually. For the highest end autographs, a Mike Trout or Christian Yelich autograph card might run $500-1000.

When looking to purchase 2020 Donruss cards, there are a few seller reputations to consider. Established shops like BlowoutCards, Steel City Collectibles, and DA Card World will provide a safe buying experience but may carry small premiums on card prices. Individual sellers on eBay offer the most competitive rates but require more vetting of their feedback and policies. Card shows are another great option if any are scheduled post-pandemic, as you can inspect cards in-person before purchasing. The 2020 Donruss release provides affordable options across all levels for both team and star collectors looking to build their collections. The photography, parallels, and rookie selection make it a standout set each year.

The 2020 Donruss baseball card release is a great option for collectors looking to buy individual cards online. The base set provides complete MLB rosters at low prices. Parallels, inserts, and rookie cards add variety. While premium memorabilia and autograph cards carry higher costs, there are still affordable options available for collectors of all budgets. Established card shops and individual sellers on marketplaces are great resources. Overall, 2020 Donruss continues the brand’s tradition of quality cardboard at reasonable prices.

2020 LEAF METAL DRAFT BASEBALL CARDS

The 2020 Leaf Metal draft baseball cards generated a lot of hype leading up to their release last year. Leaf is known for their high-end metal card products, and their 2020 draft release was highly anticipated by collectors.

Leaf released three parallels of its draft cards – the base Leaf Metal draft cards, along with 1/1 diamond parallels and gold signature parallels. The designs featured images from the draftee’s college or high school playing days coated in metallic ink on metal cards. This gave the portraits of the newly drafted players a very premium and valuable feel in the hands of collectors.

Some of the biggest names from the 2020 draft class were featured, including Spencer Torkelson (Tigers), Austin Martin (Blue Jays), Asa Lacy (Royals), Emerson Hancock (Mariners), and Nick Gonzales (Pirates). With many considering this draft class incredibly talented, having the first card of these players be on luxurious metal stock added excitement.

The base Leaf Metal draft cards had a printing of only 250 copies each. This extremely low print run immediately created a sense of scarcity and value. Most boxes of 2020 Leaf Metal draft contained around 4-6 cards, so hitting any of the top draft picks was always a thrill. Within weeks of the product’s launch, many of the biggest names had already surpassed the $100 price point in near mint condition on the secondary market.

In addition to the base parallels, Leaf also included 1/1 diamond parallel versions of select draft cards. These single copy diamond parallels took the rarity and extravagance of the release to an entirely new level. Crafted from metal and featuring a diamond-cut design and coating, these ultra-premium patches stood out amongst even the flashy base Metal cards. Securing a 1/1 diamond parallel of a player like Torkelson or Martin guaranteed a true hobby prize.

Completing the trio of parallels were the gold signature cards. On these parallels, the drafted player’s autograph was etched onto the card in gold ink. This created an irresistible collectible marrying the luxurious feel of metal with the thrill of a prospect’s autograph. Gold sig parallels were inserted at a rate of one per case of Leaf Metal draft, cementing their status as the jewels of the set.

When the 2020 draft class debuts in the majors over the coming years, collectors who snapped up their inaugural Leaf Metal rookie cards will be sitting on some extremely coveted pieces of memorabilia. Not only does the product feature the prospects in an extravagant presentation befitting their status as the future of baseball, the incredibly low print runs have virtually guaranteed high longterm demand. Even relatively unknown names from the draft hold value simply because their debut on the hobby’s premier metal stock was limited to under 300 copies worldwide.

Interestingly, Leaf chose to feature draft prospects rather than true rookie cards in their Metal release. This added an element of risk, as not all the drafted players will inevitably make the majors. It also presented opportunity. Any draftee who does breakthrough has a chance to become incredibly significant figures in the hobby, exponentially growing the value of their already highly scarce Metal card. The 2020 class is shaping up to be full of future stars, making these early cards all the more desirable for speculative collectors.

The combination of superlative design and production quality, renowned brand backing, and virtually non-existent supply has cemented Leaf Metal’s 2020 draft baseball cards as true heavyweight contenders in the memorabilia marketplace. Even relatively unknown prospects hold incredible longterm potential. For collectors who secured cards of the biggest names, investments in Spencer Torkelson or Austin Martin Metal rookies are poised to pay dividends for decades as their careers unfold. The hobby awaits excitedly to see how the stories of the 2020 draft class pan out – and how their inaugural Leaf Metal cards are remembered.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 2020

Baseball cards have been popular collectibles for decades, with some vintage cards from the early 20th century fetching millions of dollars at auction in recent years. Whether you’re just starting your baseball card collection or have been collecting for years, staying on top of current card values is important. Here is an in-depth look at baseball card prices and a guide to help you understand the factors that influence values in the current market.

The Most Valuable Baseball Cards of All-Time

At the very top of the hobby in terms of value are ultra-rare vintage cards from the T206 and pre-war era. Some examples of the highest valued baseball cards ever sold include:

1909 T206 Honus Wagner – In pristine condition, one of these legendary cards could sell for over $3 million. In 2016, a PSA NM-MT 8 example brought $3.12 million, setting a new record.

1913 E90-1 Joe Jackson – Known as the “Black Sox” card since it features “Shoeless” Joe from the infamous 1919 World Series, a PSA Authentic card sold for $2.88 million in 2016.

1914 Cracker Jack W511 Eddie Plank and Chief Bender – This rare dual card sold for $1.27 million in 2016.

1914 Cracker Jack W512 Eddie Collins and Jack Lapp – Another rare dual issue from the set that went for $1.02 million.

While these ultra-premium cards clearly set the bar, there are plenty of other pre-war tobacco and candy issue cards that can fetch six-figure prices or more in top grades. Examples include T206 cards of Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson and more. Condition is absolutely critical, with higher grades commanding exponentially more value.

Post-War Vintage Values – 1950s to 1980s

After World War II, the baseball card market expanded with the rise of the modern trading card era. Iconic sets like 1952 Topps, 1956 Topps, and the 1933 Goudey set featured many of the game’s greatest stars and established brands that still exist today. Condition, of course, still plays a major role but demand has also increased the values of even lower-grade examples from these sets in recent years. Here are some examples of post-war vintage card values:

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle (PSA 9) – $350,000
1968 Topps Nolan Ryan RC (PSA 8) – $125,000
1975 Topps Fred Lynn RC (PSA 9) – $90,000
1956 Topps Sandy Koufax (PSA 8) – $80,000
1965 Topps Sandy Koufax (PSA 8) – $65,000
1959 Topps Willie Mays (PSA 8) – $55,000
1933 Goudey Babe Ruth (PSA 5) – $45,000

As you move into the 1970s and 80s, rookie cards and stars of the era start to gain value as well, including RCs of George Brett, Cal Ripken Jr., and Ozzie Smith that can reach five figures in top grades from the likes of Topps, Donruss and Fleer.

Modern Era Values – 1990s to Present

While vintage cards will likely always hold the highest values, demand has grown significantly in recent decades for stars of the modern era as well. This includes stars from the 1990s up to today’s top young talents. Here are some examples of high-value modern era cards:

1998 Bowman Chrome Refractors Ken Griffey Jr. (PSA 10) – $50,000
1994 SP Derek Jeter Autograph RC (PSA 9) – $40,000
1992 Bowman Chipper Jones RC (PSA 9) – $30,000
2003 Topps Chrome Refractors Albert Pujols RC (PSA 10) – $25,000
2007 Bowman Draft Superfractor Mike Trout RC (PSA 10) – $22,000
2009 Bowman Draft Mike Trout Autograph RC (PSA 9) – $20,000
1991 Upper Deck Griffey Jr. RC (PSA 9) – $15,000
2015 Topps Update Kris Bryant Autograph RC (PSA 10) – $12,000

Rookie cards remain a strong focus of the modern market, along with stars, parallels, refractors, autographs and serially numbered cards. Condition is still paramount, and the 10 scale is increasingly important as a marker of true mint status. Young stars like Acuna, Soto, Tatis and others will also gain value if they live up to hype.

Factors That Influence Baseball Card Prices

Beyond the specific players, conditions and eras mentioned above, there are several other factors that influence baseball card values in the current market:

Player Performance/Accomplishments – Cards of players who have Hall of Fame careers and accomplishments gain more value over time. Injuries or controversies can negatively impact prices.

Population Reports – Scarcer print runs and smaller surviving populations boost values of certain parallels, serially numbered cards and rare variations.

Condition – As discussed, higher grades bring exponentially more money, with PSA/BGS 10s at the top. Even small flaws can devalue cards.

Autographs/Memorabilia – Signed cards and those with game-used pieces command major premiums in the marketplace.

Parallel/Insert Sets – Refractors, printing plates, 1/1s and other rare insert variations are highly sought.

Set/Brand Popularity – Iconic sets like Topps, Bowman and Goudey remain strongest, but brands like SP Authentic and Stadium Club have followings.

Recent Sales Data – The prices realized at major auctions help establish current market value benchmarks.

Supply and Demand – Certain years have smaller print runs that haven’t kept pace with growing collector numbers.

Keeping tabs on all these factors is important for collectors to understand why certain cards appreciate while others don’t. Condition remains the single biggest determinant of value for most vintage and modern issues alike.

Using Price Guides and Checklist Resources

While recent auction prices are the best indicator of true market value, price guides and checklists are still useful resources for collectors:

Beckett Baseball Card Monthly/Yearly Price Guides – The long-running “bible” of the hobby lists average sale prices across a range of grades.

PSA SMR (Sports Market Report) Price Guide – Based on prices realized from PSA-graded card auction sales.

Cardboard Connection – Extensive online checklists and guides for different eras.

Trading Card Database – Huge online database with checklists, images and basic price guides.

EBay “Sold” Listings – Watching recent sales in different grades provides a good reference.

Online Communities/Forums – Resources like Blowout Cards discuss values and have marketplace sections.

While guides should be taken as general indicators rather than gospel, they are useful starting points to understand how different factors affect card values over time. Staying plugged into the latest auction results and market trends helps serious collectors value their collections properly.

Baseball cards remain a thriving and lucrative hobby. An understanding of the various eras, players and factors that influence values is key to making smart collecting decisions. Condition above all else is vital, but demand also plays a role in driving up prices for the right modern stars and vintage greats alike. With patience and knowledge, collections can gain significant value.

2020 BOWMAN DRAFT BASEBALL CARDS

The 2020 Bowman Draft baseball card set was released on June 24, 2020 by Topps. It marked the 33rd annual Bowman Draft set and included cards featuring prospects selected in the 2020 Major League Baseball Draft. With the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting the baseball season and draft, the 2020 Bowman Draft set was highly anticipated by collectors.

The 2020 Bowman Draft set included 350 base cards total across 10 cards per pack with 35 packs per box. Each box had an MSRP of $99.99. The base cards featured draft prospects from the 2020 class as well as prospects eligible for the 2020 draft that were selected in prior drafts but had not yet debuted professionally. Notable rookies in the set included touted prospects like Spencer Torkelson (Detroit Tigers), Austin Martin (Toronto Blue Jays), Max Meyer (Miami Marlins), Nick Gonzales (Pittsburgh Pirates) among many others.

In addition to the base cards, the 2020 Bowman Draft set included various insert and parallel card variations for collectors to chase. There were Silver Pack parallels (#/250), Rainbow Foil parallels (#/150), Bowman Draft Chrome parallels (#/99), and Refractor parallels (#/75). Popular insert sets included Draft Picks Autographs, Draft Paper performers, Defining Moments & Masterpieces. The Draft Picks Autographs featured autographed cards of top draft prospects like Torkelson, Martin, Meyer, and Emerson Hancock who were selected in the first round of the 2020 draft.

The 2020 Bowman Draft set saw increased fanfare and hype compared to prior years due to the unique circumstances surrounding the 2020 MLB season and draft. With no minor league or college baseball being played due to COVID-19, fans and collectors were eager to get their first glimpse of the new wave of drafted prospects through the card releases. This led to the 2020 Bowman Draft boxes and individual cards selling out quickly upon release at major card retailers.

Resale demand also surged for the 2020 Bowman Draft cards on the secondary market. Within a few months of the release, base rookie cards of first round selections like Torkelson and Martin were selling for $50-100 raw and higher in graded gem mint condition through PSA or BGS. Autograph cards of the top prospects commanded prices above $1000. The strong early demand signified fans and collectors interest in this unique draft class during such an unprecedented year.

As the drafted prospects began their professional careers in the rookie levels of the minor leagues in 2021, interest and values of their 2020 Bowman Draft rookie cards continued climbing. High profile performances and callups to higher levels led to a spike in eBay sales prices. For example, Spencer Torkelson smashed 30 home runs in his 2021 minor league debut season which propelled his base rookie card above $200-300 raw. Austin Martin hit .305 in High-A and saw his base card eclipse the $100 mark.

Even lesser known prospects like Emerson Hancock saw their cards appreciate significantly in value in response to positive on-field performances. Hancock’s autographed Draft Picks insert eclipsed the $2000-3000 range following a strong 2021 minor league showing. As more of these drafted talents develop and move up through the minors towards eventual major league debuts, their 2020 Bowman Draft cards should sustain strong collector demand for years to come as valuable modern baseball rookies.

The 2020 Bowman Draft baseball card release was a uniquely historic set issued during the COVID-19 pandemic that captured the draft class ushering in the next generation of MLB stars. The initial scarcity upon release combined with how the drafted prospects have performed since has elevated several cards in the set to become highly valued modern rookie investments for diligent collectors. Although smaller in scale compared to Bowman’s other annual releases, the 2020 Bowman Draft set has proven to have lasting appeal and significance within the growing world of baseball cards. It stands as an iconic snapshot capturing a pivotal time in the sports world and beyond.

2020 BASEBALL CARDS TOPPS

The 2020 Topps baseball card release marked another highly anticipated year from the sports card industry leader. With decades of experience producing some of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards, Topps once again delivered impressive photography, competitive parallels and short prints, exciting rookies, and various inserts across its numerous product lines in 2020.

While the coronavirus pandemic caused delays and uncertainty for the MLB season itself, Topps still managed to find ways to release on schedule and keep collectors engaged throughout the year. The main 2020 Topps Series 1 set debuted in late March/early April as originally planned, kicking off what became one of the hottest sports card years in recent memory amid growing collector demand during quarantine.

Series 1 featured 400 base cards plus additional short prints, parallels, insert sets, and special cards capturing the biggest names and rookie talents from all 30 MLB teams. As with most modern Topps flagship releases, the photographic quality and card designs were highly praised. Some of the top rookie cards included Gavin Lux, Jesus Luzardo, and Dylan Carlson. Veterans like Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, and Ronald Acuña Jr. received gorgeous accentuated photography treatments.

The main parallels in Series 1 included the traditional Green /99, Gold /50, and Red /5 color variations. Some other memorable inserts were Retired Legends, Postseason Heroes, and Topps Now cards chronicling the early season action. Several popular short prints like #/75s and #/150s led to thrill of the chase excitement on hobby shop shelves and the secondary market. Series 1 was a huge hit and established demand that would persist all season long for Topps baseball.

Series 2 launched in late May/early June and kept the momentum going strong. More fantastic rookie cards emerged like Nico Hoerner, Luis Robert, and current stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. maintained their star status with creative photography. Chrome parallels in Blue /150 and Black /75 made their anticipated debut. New inserts like Canvas Captures with artistic photo treatments and Road to Opening Day cards recalling the unusual circumstances of 2020 stood out.

The definitive rookie card classes of 2019 and 2020 continued to shine with Topps products. Series 2 featured the highly anticipated debut of brand new cards for superstars like Pete Alonso, Yordan Álvarez, and others who hadn’t received official rookies before. Meanwhile, the 2020 class coming into their own like Robert elevated the hot rookie markets.

Later in the summer, Topps followed up with the popular Allen & Ginter sets that provided unique wood grain parallels and quirky non-sport inserts. Archives took collectors on nostalgia trips through Topps history. Stadium Club delivered exquisite photographer quality that rivaled any in the industry. And as the 60-game season played out, Topps Now captured memorable moments almost in real time for the first season incorporating daily Topps digital cards into the main flagship as physical extras.

Two additional Series sets extended the 2020 release into fall, wrapping up the year-long coverage while giving fans something to still hunt for after the playoffs concluded. Heritage Minors paid homage to the farm system roots many current stars emerged from. Chrome Update provided final rookie cards and short prints before looking ahead to 2021 Topps releases.

The photography, designs, rookies, and parallels across flagship, high-end, and insert Topps sets delivered everything baseball card collectors could ask for in 2020. While the sport season saw COVID disruptions, Topps maintained continuity by covering the action that did occur and providing consistent product releases throughout. This stability helped the overall trading card industry thrive last year. Topps established its brand as the industry leader once again and captivated collector interest with the impressive 2020 baseball offerings. Fans eagerly anticipates what exciting rookies, star shots, and inserts the company has in store next as the excitement for 2021 Topps baseball cards begins to build.

RARE 2020 BASEBALL CARDS

The 2020 baseball season was unlike any other due to the COVID-19 pandemic that delayed and shortened the season. The baseball card industry continued churning out new products featuring the games biggest stars. While the 2020 rookie class may not have had as much hype compared to years past, there were still several rare and valuable rookie cards inserted in packs. But some of the true gems from 2020 weren’t rookie cards at all, but rather serial numbered parallels and memorabilia cards of the games most popular players.

One of the biggest rookie cards of 2020 was Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts. While Betts isn’t technically a rookie since he played six full seasons with the Boston Red Sox, his first season with the Dodgers after being acquired in a blockbuster trade made his Dodgers cards very desirable. Some of Betts’ rarest 2020 Dodgers rookies include:

2020 Topps Chrome Yellow RefractorParallel (#/50) – These difficult to find parallels of Betts in his first Dodgers uniform have sold for over $500 in mint condition.

2020 Bowman Chrome 1st Refractor (#/150) – As one of Bowman’s premium refractors of one of baseball’s biggest stars on a new team, mint examples have topped $400.

2020 Topps Inception Black Parallel (#/25) – One of the most scarce parallels found, a PSA 10 copy sold for around $750 early in 2021.

Perhaps the highest profile rookie in 2020 was San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr, who had a breakout season that saw him finish third in NL MVP voting. Some of Tatis’ scarcest 2020 rookies include:

2020 Topps Inception Gold Parallel (#/5) – One of only five copies in existence, a PSA 10 sold for over $4,000.

2020 Topps Chrome Red Refractor (#/5) – Another incredibly low serial numbered parallel, one of these in a PSA 10 gem sold for close to $3,500.

2020 Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor (/50) – Still extremely rare numbered to just 50, mint examples have reached $1,000.

While prospects like Bobby Witt Jr, Spencer Torkelson and Emerson Hancock generated a lot of hype in 2020 products, perhaps the biggest rookie draw was Los Angeles Angels pitcher/outfielder Shohei Ohtani. After dominating on the mound and in the batter’s box in his MVP caliber 2018 season, Ohtani returned in 2020 from Tommy John surgery looking to reclaim the spotlight. Some of Ohtani’s scarcest 2020 cards include:

2020 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Parallel (#/10) – Featuring a beautiful rainbow spectrum parallel design, a PSA 10 sold for over $1,500.

2020 Bowman Chrome Gold Refractor (#/50) – Numbered to a low 50 copies, mint 10s have reached up to $800.

2020 Topps Chrome Red Refractor (/5) – Another impressively low numbered parallel, mint examples have sold between $700-900.

Of course, the hobby’s biggest stars like Mike Trout, Ronald Acuña Jr, Juan Soto and others featured some ultra-rare 2020 parallels as well. But perhaps the most valuable 2020 card period is this 1/1 memorabilia masterpiece:

2020 Topps Best of Topps Jackie Robinson Logoman Auto Patch 1/1 – Featuring swatches from three Jackie Robinson jerseys authenticated with on-card signatures, this extraordinary 1/1 reached astronomical levels, fetching over $35,000 at auction.

2020 also saw the launch of new baseball card products like 2020 Topps Inception and 2020 Leaf Metal that featured premium refractors, parallels and hit card odds. And while the product flew off shelves in the early Covid collector frenzy, it’s the true gems that continue gaining in perception and auction value over time. With a shortened season and so many new collectors, finding high-grade copies of these types of serial numbered parallels and hit cards from 2020 is harder than ever. For savvy vintage collectors, 2020 cards may end up being some truly rare finds in the years ahead as the year takes on more historical context once removed from the pandemic.

BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS 2020

The 2020 Bowman baseball card release was one of the most anticipated card releases of the year for collectors and fans. Bowman is considered the flagship rookie card brand in the hobby, featuring prospects and young players just starting their careers in Major League Baseball. Some of the biggest stars in the game today first appeared in Bowman sets as rookies, making cards from Bowman releases highly sought after long term investments.

The 2020 Bowman set continued this tradition by showcasing the next generation of baseball stars, headlined by prospects such as Wander Franco, Bobby Witt Jr., and Spencer Torkelson. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted both the baseball season and the card release schedule. Minor league baseball was cancelled for the 2020 season, limiting the number of rookie cards that could be included compared to past years. Production and distribution of physical card products was delayed, with Bowman being one of the last 2020 releases to hit the market.

Despite these challenges, Panini managed to produce an exciting Bowman set with plenty of rookie cards for collectors to pursue. The main 2020 Bowman base set included 300 cards with prospects, draft picks, and young MLB players. Parallels and short prints added to the thrill of the chase. Top prospect Wander Franco received extra attention with Prizm, Chrome, and Refractor parallels among others. Other highly sought after rookies included Bobby Witt Jr., Spencer Torkelson, Emerson Hancock, and Nick Gonzales. Veterans like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Juan Soto also received prospects cards as throwbacks to their own rookie seasons.

Bowman Draft was a separate 100 card set focusing exclusively on the 2019 MLB Draft class like Bobby Witt Jr. and Riley Greene. International Prospects highlighted top amateurs from other countries like Raimfer Salinas. The Bowman Chrome Update series in late 2020 added more rookie refractor parallels of emerging talents. Colorful parallels like Green, Orange, and Purple Prism kept collectors engaged through multiple product releases. Autograph and memorabilia cards featured signatures and game worn memorabilia of prospects to supercharge the end value of some packs.

While physical card releases were delayed, Panini did release some Bowman digital cards through 2020. The Topps App featured a “Bowman Originals” set with the same designs as the physical release. Digital cards provided fans an alternative way to collect during the pandemic before boxes finally shipped later in the summer. As baseball returned with the 2020 postseason, interest and demand for the rookie cards in Bowman increased further. Prices started to rise on the top rookies as their hype and potential was on full display.

When physical Bowman boxes did finally arrive to the market in August, they were some of the hottest selling products of 2020. The main 300 card base set sold for over $100 per box as collectors raced to pull the prized rookie cards. Short printed parallels like Wander Franco’s Orange Prism /50 shot up to thousands of dollars online. Even base rookies of Witt Jr. and Torkelson commanded over $100 each as fans anticipated their future stardom. The release highlighted how critical the Bowman brand is for discovering and documenting the next stars of MLB each year.

As the 2020 season wrapped up and 2021 dawned with a new class of rookies like Randy Arozarena, Bowman cards from the previous year maintained their high values. Investors speculated which players from the 2020 set might emerge as the next Mike Trout or Ronald Acuña Jr. And while the pandemic created delays, Panini found ways to keep the Bowman tradition alive through digital releases and highly anticipated physical products later in the year. The 2020 Bowman cards established the foundation to chronicle another star-studded rookie class and fuel the hobby for years to come.

MOST VALUABLE 2020 TOPPS CHROME BASEBALL CARDS

The 2020 Topps Chrome baseball card set launched in November and contained a variety of highly sought after rookie cards and veteran stars. While retail boxes were readily available throughout the holiday season, the high-end rookie cards quickly took off in secondary market value as the prospects began their journey in Major League Baseball. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable 2020 Topps Chrome cards that have really popped over the past year.

Perhaps the biggest story of the 2020 Topps Chrome set was the outbreak of San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. Tatis had an incredible rookie season in 2019 that saw him finish third in NL Rookie of the Year voting. His prospects were sky high entering 2020 and Tatis did not disappoint, emerging as one of the game’s brightest young stars. As a result, his Topps Chrome rookie card skyrocketed in demand and value. Low serial numbered parallels like the /25 blue refractor, /10 orange refractor, and 1/1 rainbow foil autos easily crack five figures. But even the standard chrome rookie now sells for $400-500 in gem mint condition. Tatis’ emerging superstardom has made this one of the most desired modern rookie cards.

Another budding superstar, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout unsurprisingly has some of the most valuable cards in the set as well. Trout’s status as the best player in baseball translates to huge values for his Topps Chrome parallels. His /5 purple refractor auto and /1 rainbow foil auto regularly sell above $2,000. Low numbered refractor variations like aqua, orange, and blue also trade hands for $500-1000. While arguably past his true “rookie” status now, Trout remains one of the faces of the league and a huge draw for collectors.

Rookie pitchers also found popularity in the 2020 Topps Chrome set. San Diego Padres lefty MacKenzie Gore was considered one of the top prospects in all of baseball before making his MLB debut. While injuries have slowed his progress, collectors remain high on Gore’s longterm potential. His Topps Chrome autos, especially numbered to /25 or lower, have exploded in value thanks to the hype. Comps show the /10 orange refractor auto bringing near $1,000. Rasmus Bertin of the Toronto Blue Jays also saw early hype for his cards. The stocky righty flashed dominance in limited action and his Topps Chrome rookie autos mirror Gore’s in secondary pricing.

Two American League East prospects also made noise. Rays shortstop Wander Franco is considered a true “once in a generation” type talent. Franco simply dominated the minor leagues at very young ages and signed one of the largest international bonuses ever. Not surprisingly, his Topps Chrome rookie cards took off. Low serial numbered parallels especially the prized 1/1 rainbow foil auto exceeded five figures online. Meanwhile, Blue Jays pitcher Nate Pearson dazzled with his power arm before TJ surgery slowed him. Top Chrome rookies like the /10 orange auto changed hands for $700-800 during 2020 hype cycles.

Of course, established veteran superstars held value as well. Topps Chrome parallels for the likes of Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, Cody Bellinger, Ronald Acuna Jr. and others routinely exceed $100-200 even in higher serial numbers like /50 or /75. 1/1 rainbow foil autos for these types have obtained astronomical values. The /1 Yelich auto from 2020 reportedly sold for over $6,000. Parallels for late Hall of Famer legends in the set like Tom Seaver, Bob Gibson or Hank Aaron also attract top dollar from collectors paying homage.

The emergence of new young talents alongside continued production from perennial stars created a plethora of enormously valuable 2020 Topps Chrome cards over the past year. Rookie sensations like Tatis Jr. and prospects like Franco led the way but all the biggest names held cache as the true cream of the crop for this acclaimed Chrome issue. With the sport’s rising popularity among collectors, these cards profiles figures to remain some of the most coveted modern pieces in the hobby for years to come.

BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE 2020 SERIES 2

The 2020 baseball card season kicked off in January with the release of Series 1 from the major manufacturers – Topps, Bowman, and Panini. While Series 1 is always highly anticipated as the first major release of the new year, collectors and investors look forward to Series 2 as another opportunity to find rookie cards of stars from the previous season as well favorites from the current campaign.

2020 Topps Series 2 was released on March 11th and contained several key rookie cards and parallels. Perhaps the most sought after rookie in the set is Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker. After a breakout 2019 season in which he hit .268 with 30 extra-base hits and an .847 OPS in just 80 games, Tucker entered 2020 as a top prospect and was expected to take on a regular role with the Astros. His base rookie card in Series 2 carries a reasonable price tag still in the $10-15 range while parallels and autographed versions can fetch upwards of $100-200.

Another top rookie to watch is Seattle Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic. The 6th overall pick in the 2018 draft, Kelenic blazed through the minors in 2019 by hitting .291 with 23 home runs and a .903 OPS between High-A and Double-A. While still just 21 years old, Kelenic entered 2020 ranked as one of the top 10 prospects in all of baseball. His Series 2 base rookie card sells in the $15-20 range with parallels and autographed variants reaching the $100+ price point.

Beyond rookies, collectors look to Series 2 to find star veterans and key performers from the previous season. One such card is that of 2019 NL MVP and Dodgers slugger Cody Bellinger. While Bellinger has plenty of cards in Series 1 and the Update set from 2019, his Series 2 base card remains one of the more affordable options to add the young star to a collection. Other top veterans like Christian Yelich, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Mike Trout can also be found at reasonable prices in Series 2 compared to their Series 1 and flagship rookie cards.

Panini’s 2020 Donruss Series 2 baseball cards were also released in March, about a week after the Topps product. While Donruss lacks the MLB licensing of Topps and thus rookie cards do not feature players in team uniforms, the Donruss set still contains the top prospects and includes popular parallels. Kyle Tucker’s base card sells in the $5-8 range out of Donruss with parallels reaching $15-20. Jarred Kelenic also has an affordable base card around $5 while his colored parallels can be found for $10-15. Veterans like Trout, Bellinger and others have affordable base cards in the $3-5 range in Donruss Series 2 as well.

Bowman’s 2020 Series 2 was the last of the major March releases, coming out around March 20th. As the only MLB-licensed product from the Panini brand, Bowman Series 2 is the only set that features the key rookies in team uniforms along with team logos and designs. This gives Bowman’s rookie cards an edge in collectibility and investment potential long term. Kyle Tucker’s base Bowman Series 2 card trades hands in the $10-15 range with parallels reaching $25-35. Jarred Kelenic’s base sells for $8-12 with his parallels valued at $15-20 already. Bowman is also the only place to find paper rookies of drafted prospects from the previous year’s draft class like Bobby Witt Jr. and others.

While the pandemic ultimately shut down the 2020 MLB season in its early stages, the release of Series 2 products in March allowed collectors to continue enjoying the hobby with new cards to add to collections. With rookies like Tucker and Kelenic expected to breakout when play resumes, along with veterans continuing to produce, the cards from 2020 Series 2 look primed to retain value in the long run for savvy collectors. Whether it’s affordable base cards or colorful parallels, Series 2 offered baseball fans a fun escape during a difficult time and provided a solid investment opportunity across the Topps, Panini, and Bowman releases.

BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY 2020 PRIZM

The hobby of baseball card collecting has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, and with that comes questions about which individual cards hold significant monetary value. While vintage cards from the 1950s and 60s will always be at the top in terms of price tags, there are plenty of modern issues that can be quite valuable as well, especially rookie cards of star players. The 2020 season saw the emergence of several young stars who are likely to have valuable rookie cards for years to come. Let’s take a look at some of the top baseball cards from 2020 that collectors should be on the lookout for and consider adding to their collections.

One of the most highly anticipated baseball card releases each year is the Panini Prizm set due to its flashy refractors and parallels. The 2020 Prizm baseball offering was no exception, as it featured rookie cards and parallels of many of the game’s brightest young talents. Chief among these is Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani, who has quickly become one of MLB’s most exciting players. His base Prizm rookie card can be found for $30-50, but it’s some of the parallel and autograph versions that really catch collectors’ eyes. His Prizm Silver Prizm rookie sells for $150-250, while a 1/1 Gold Prizm rookie card fetched over $2,000 on eBay. With Ohtani’s unique talents and growing popularity, his 2020 Prizm cards appear poised to retain and potentially increase in value in the coming years.

Another Angels player who made his debut in 2020 and featured prominently in Prizm is outfielder Jo Adell. While injuries limited his MLB playing time, Adell is still considered a future star and his rookie cards have found an eager collector base. His base Prizm rookie card trades for $15-25, with parallels like the Orange Prizm and Green Prizm in the $50-100 range. Autographed cards have brought over $400. Given Adell’s tools and pedigree as a former top prospect, his rookie cards could appreciate well if he breaks out in 2021 and beyond. For Angels collectors, the Ohtani and Adell Prizm rookies make for indispensable additions.

No rookie class was deeper in talent or more touted than the 2018 draft class, and several of those players made their MLB debuts in 2020 including a couple of American League Rookie of the Year candidates. One was Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Vidal Brujan, who showed elite speed and contact skills after a September callup. While he didn’t play enough to qualify for the ROY award, Brujan’s prospect status and debut have collectors high on his 2020 Prizm rookie card. The base sells for $15-25 with parallels like the Orange Prizm around $50-75. Another 2018 draftee was Miami Marlins pitcher Sixto Sanchez, who dazzled with an electric fastball-changeup combo after his own September callup. His base Prizm rookie trades for $10-15 with the Orange Prizm near $40-60 based on his outstanding potential. Both Brujan and Sanchez are poised for bigger roles in 2021, which could send their rookie card values soaring.

While the 2018 class was heralded, the 2019 draft class might not be far behind and two of its members had memorable MLB debuts in 2020. First was Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker, who had been traded from the Phillies in 2018 and lit up Triple-A before getting called up. Tucker showed prodigious power and hit over .270 in his rookie season to finish third in AL ROY voting. His base Prizm rookie trades for $15-25 with colorful parallels like the Orange and Green versions reaching $50-100. Another 2019 draftee was Miami Marlins pitcher Sixto Sanchez, who dazzled with an electric fastball-changeup combo after his own September callup. His base Prizm rookie trades for $10-15 with the Orange Prizm near $40-60 based on his outstanding potential. Both Tucker and Sanchez have All-Star ceilings and their rookie cards could climb even higher if they continue developing.

While the rookies get much of the hype in the hobby, breakout seasons from established veterans can also create valuable modern cards. One such player was Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres. Already one of baseball’s most exciting young stars, Tatis took his game to an MVP level in 2020 by hitting .277 with 17 homers and 45 RBI in 59 games. His performance has collectors flocking to his 2020 cards, including his base Topps Chrome RC which has reached over $100. But it’s his 2020 Prizm cards, like the Silver Prizm parallel, that have really captured attention, selling for $300-400 raw so far. With Tatis’ all-around skills and flair for the highlight play, he seems a sure bet to continue improving and his cards a sound investment, especially from his 2020 standout campaign.

Another veteran who broke out in a big way was Marlins outfielder Monte Harrison. Long a highly-regarded prospect, Harrison finally started to put it all together in his first extended MLB action in 2020. In 49 games he hit .230 but showed elite speed and power with 6 homers and 7 steals. The breakout has collectors high on Harrison’s rookie cards from 2017-2019 issues like Bowman, but also his 2020 Prizm cards which feature his newfound success. The base sells for $15-25 with parallels like the Orange Prizm reaching $50-75 based on renewed hope for Harrison’s star potential. If he builds on his 2020 with a full breakout season in 2021, his cards from this past year stand to gain the most.

While rookies and breakouts drive much of the hobby’s excitement, superstar seasons from perennial MVP candidates always hold value as well. One such player was Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. who took his game to new heights in 2020. In just 59 games, Tatis hit .277 with 17 homers and 45 RBIs while showing off elite defense, speed and flair. His performance has collectors flocking to his 2020 cards, with his base Topps Chrome RC reaching over $100. But it’s his 2020 Prizm cards like the Silver Prizm parallel that have really captured attention, selling for $300-400 so far raw. With Tatis’ all-around skillset and magnetic personality, he seems a lock to continue improving and his cards from what could be a landmark 2020 season appear a sound investment.

While vintage cards will always have cachet, the 2020 season saw the emergence of several young stars like Ohtani, Adell, Brujan and Sanchez whose rookie cards from issues like 2020 Prizm hold great potential. Breakouts from veterans like Tatis Jr. and Harrison have also created valuable modern cards chronicling their success. With many of these players likely to be starring for years to come, their cards from 2020 that spotlighted their arrival or breakthrough campaigns stand to appreciate steadily. For collectors, focusing on high-quality examples of these types of meaningful rookie cards and standout season issues provides an engaging way to participate in the hobby while making sound financial wagers on the future success of some of the game’s brightest young talents.