Jarred Kelenic is one of the most highly touted prospects in all of baseball and his rising stardom has brought increased attention to his rookie baseball cards. As the former 6th overall pick from 2018 who has rapidly risen through the Mariners farm system, Kelenic cards have the potential to be quite valuable for collectors in the coming years. Here is an in-depth look at graded Jarred Kelenic baseball cards that are currently available for sale and what collectors should know.
Kelenic made his professional debut in 2018 after being selected by Seattle and his first card appeared that year in Bowman Draft. In PSA Gem Mint 10 condition, 2018 Bowman Draft Jarred Kelenic autographs can be found for $800-1200. While an expensive investment for a rookie at this stage, the Bowman Draft set is one of the top issues for following top prospects and a PSA 10 of Kelenic’s autographed rookie bodes well for future appreciation. Slightly more affordable PSA 9 copies of this card sell in the $350-500 range.
Kelenic’s true rookie card debuted in 2019 Topps Chrome and that issue is proving to be a worthwhile long-term hold. PSA 10 versions of the 1986 design refractor parallel currently sell for $750-950. The standard parallel in a PSA 10 can be acquired for $350-550 while a PSA 9 goes for $200-300. The paper base version is significantly cheaper at $75-125 graded a PSA 10. Considered Kelenic’s official rookie issue in the flagship Topps set, these 2019 Topps Chrome cards stand to gain value as he progresses in the big leagues.
Another affordable graded rookie option is the 2019 Bowman Chrome Kelenic. PSA 10 copies range from $300-400 with PSA 9s priced $150-225. For budget-conscious collectors, this early Kelenic issue provides an accessible graded investment that could pay dividends down the road. The 2019 Bowman paper also offers rookie cards but the chrome parallel typically holds stronger long-term desirability.
Some of Kelenic’s priciest cards available already are from his brief 2020 Topps debut. The prized Topps Chrome Blue Parallel # /150 can be found encased in a BGS 9.5 Gem Mint slab for around $3500. Even more rare 1/1 printing plates of his base Topps Chrome card Certified Authentic exist and recently sold for over $10,000. While out of reach for many collectors today, these ultra-short printed parallels represent the true high-end of the Jarred Kelenic market so far.
For collectors who prefer modern issues, Kelenic rookies also appeared in 2020 Topps Series 1 and Topps Chrome. PSA 10 versions of the base flagship card trade hands at $150-250 depending on the parallel. Meanwhile, the coveted Topps Chrome rookie sells in a PSA 10 for $350-450 already in high demand. Affordable across most grading scales, these later products provide opportunities to own a rookie Kelenic at reasonable prices as his anticipated debut approaches.
Looking further into Kelenic prospect cards, Topps Chrome Refractor Autographs from 2019 are readily available graded. PSA 10 examples run $375-500 usually while a PSA 9 holds value around $225. Also common on the market are PSA 10 copies of 2019 Topps Holiday Parallel Autographs for under $300. His 2018 Bowman Prospects Chrome Autograph can be found in a BGS 9.5 Gem for $600-750 with lesser grades priced accordingly. While not true rookies, prospect issues like these signify the growing fanfare for Kelenic pre-MLB.
Last but not least, collectors should be on the lookout for potential upside in Kelenic’s numerous minor league issues over the years. Cards from his time with Clinton (2018), Modesto (2019) and Arkansas (2019, 2021) have the potential to gain traction as collectors seek to chronicle every stage of his ascension. Already, PSA 10 autographed cards from smaller MiLB issues command $100-200 indicating growing interest beyond just his flagship Topps and Bowman cards.
A wide variety of Jarred Kelenic rookie cards graded by PSA or BGS are readily available to add to collections or start an investment position at various price points. The potential is high for increased value across the board as he begins to make his much-anticipated big league impact expected in 2021 and beyond as a core piece of the Mariners rebuild. With Hall of Fame upside, Kelenic’s cards could prove to be among the best long-term speculations in the entire baseball collectibles market.