Cole Irvin Baseball Cards Overview
Cole Irvin is a left-handed starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. While still early in his MLB career, Irvin has shown promise that could make his baseball cards a worthwhile investment for collectors. This article will provide an in-depth overview of Cole Irvin’s career so far, the key cards collectors should watch out for, and an analysis of his future potential and how that may affect the value of his rookie cards.
Career Background
Irvin was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the fifth round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of the University of Oregon. He made his professional debut that same year in the rookie-level Arizona League, posting a 3.60 ERA over 12 innings. Irvin continued to climb the minor league ladder with the A’s organization, reaching Triple-A Nashville in 2019 where he had a 4.74 ERA over 23 starts.
Irvin received his first extended MLB opportunity in 2020 with Oakland, making 10 appearances (9 starts) and compiling a respectable 3.24 ERA. He struggled more in 2021 in 13 games (12 starts), posting a 6.35 ERA. The Athletics did not see him as a long-term piece and left him unprotected in the Rule 5 draft that offseason.
Philadelphia Phillies Career
This is where Cole Irvin’s career began to gain more traction. He was selected by the Phillies in the Rule 5 draft in December 2021. Irvin made the Phillies’ Opening Day roster in 2022 and emerged as a reliable mid-rotation starter. In 32 games (31 starts), he posted a 3.96 ERA with 130 strikeouts over 185.1 innings pitched.
Irvin’s success with the Phillies in 2022 has established him as a part of their future starting rotation plans. He will be arbitration eligible for the first time in 2023 and under team control through at least 2025. Barring any major setbacks, Irvin appears poised to continue building upon his breakout season.
Key Cole Irvin Baseball Cards
2016 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto Green Refractor /99: One of Irvin’s earliest professional issue cards, this is quite rare at only 99 copies produced. Prices have risen above $100 as his career gains momentum.
2021 Topps Chrome Blue Refractor /150: Issued during Irvin’s brief stint with the A’s, this parallel shows him in green and gold. An affordable option around $20-30 currently.
2022 Topps Base: Irvin’s first major issue card as a Phillie. Prices have settled around $5-10 after an initial surge post-breakout season.
2022 Topps Chrome Blue Refractor /150: Another parallel showing him in red pinstripes. Valued around $30-40 due to limited printing.
2022 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Refractor /25: Extremely rare parallel available numbered to just 25 copies. Sold listings around $150-200 range.
Future Outlook and Investment Potential
At 28 years old, Cole Irvin is still relatively young for a major league starting pitcher. Barring any injuries, he should have several prime seasons left as a mid-rotation arm for the Phillies. If he can continue building upon his 2022 success and consistency, Irvin’s cards hold strong long-term investment potential.
Some key factors that could drive future value appreciation include accumulating more MLB service time and stats, achieving career milestones, playoff appearances with Philadelphia, and potential All-Star selections down the road. Maintaining his role in the Phillies’ rotation plans bodes well.
While not a superstar name, Irvin has proven himself capable at the MLB level after some ups and downs earlier in his career. For collectors who believe in his future, now could be a good time to acquire some of his more limited parallel cards from recent Topps Chrome issues before they rise further. His rookie cards also offer affordable exposure to a potential breakout player.
Cole Irvin has taken an unconventional path to becoming a full-time MLB starter. His success with the Phillies in 2022 suggests there is meaningful career ahead. For risk-tolerant investors, his cards offer a solid longshot prospect who could pay dividends with a few more strong seasons in Philadelphia.