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HOTTEST BASEBALL PROSPECT CARDS

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The MLB prospect market continues to be one of the strongest segments in baseball card collecting. Young stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Ronald Acuña Jr., and Juan Soto made their debuts in recent years, living up to tremendous hype that started in their prospect card days.

While no prospect is a guarantee, savvy collectors know finding the right young talent pre-debut and holding onto their cards can yield big returns if that player blossoms into a star. Let’s take a look at some of the hottest prospects on the trading card scene right now whose rookie cards could pay big dividends down the line.

Wander Franco, SS, Tampa Bay Rays (Bowman Chrome Prospect Parallel)- Widely considered the top prospect in all of baseball, Franco has done nothing in his nascent minor league career to dissuade that notion. Scouts rave about his bat speed, hitting ability, and combination of power and average. His 2018 Bowman Chrome autos and parallels like the prestigious purple refractor (#/150) are some of the most sought-after prospects on the market right now. Franco could make his big league debut as early as 2021 and looks destined for superstardom.

Jo Adell, OF, L.A. Angels (Topps Chrome Sapphire Parallel)- A consensus top 10 prospect, Adell has massive power potential to go with above average speed. He made his MLB debut in 2020 but is still looking to stick in the show long-term. His 2018 Topps Chrome Sapphire parallel (#/250) is a beauty and with continued refinement, scouts feel Adell has perennial All-Star talent. He could be a rare five-tool player and breakout star on the West Coast.

MacKenzie Gore, LHP, San Diego Padres (Topps Chrome)- Widely regarded as the top left-handed pitching prospect in baseball, Gore has just about every pitch you could want in an ace. He struck out over 200 batters in 2018 across two minor league levels and looks like he may stick as a starter long-term, unlike many hard-throwing young arms. Gore’s autographed rookie cards from 2018 Topps Chrome could look like real bargains from just a couple years ago if he reaches his full potential.

Brendan McKay, LHP/1B, Tampa Bay Rays (Bowman Chrome)- A two-way star in college, McKay has the unique ability to both start and play first base in the big leagues. In the minors, he’s shown plus command, a deep arsenal on the mound, and extra-base power at the plate. McKay is also left-handed, which always raises the intrigue level. His 2018 Bowman Chrome prospects are a fascinating long-term hold, as McKay could develop into a rare two-way performer.

Nolan Gorman, 3B, St. Louis Cardinals (Topps Chrome Sapphire)- Already showing prodigious power in the minors, Gorman has 40+ home run potential as he matures. The left-handed batter has a smooth swing and strong wrists that create impressive bat speed. Gorman comes with some swing-and-miss concerns, but if he can make enough contact, the home runs will come in bunches. His 2018 Topps Chrome Sapphire parallel could turn out to be a steal.

Adley Rutschman, C, Baltimore Orioles (Bowman Chrome)- Ranked by many as the top catching prospect in baseball, Rutschman has all the tools to be an elite defender behind the plate with above average game-calling ability. But what really separates him is his above average hitting as well, with some projecting him as a .300 hitter with 15-20 home runs annually. As a catcher capable of such an offensive profile, Rutschman is a true unicorn. His 2019 Bowman Chrome cards represent perhaps the safest prospect bet right now.

Luis Robert, OF, Chicago White Sox (Bowman Chrome)- Already in the White Sox organization, Robert is considered close to MLB-ready and could push for playing time in 2020. He has five-tool talent with top-of-the-scale raw power and elite speed. Robert profiles as a true difference maker capable of 25+ home runs and 30+ stolen bases annually. As he knocks on the door of the bigs, Robert’s prospect cards have nowhere to go but up in value.

Gavin Lux, 2B/SS, Los Angeles Dodgers (Bowman Chrome)- Hitting his way through the Dodgers system, Lux made his MLB debut in 2019 and looks ready to lock down second base for the foreseeable future in LA. While not possessing standout tools, Lux is a polished hitter with surprising pop in his bat for a middle infielder. He could put up a .300 batting average with 15-20 home runs annually in Dodger Stadium. Lux’s prospect cards are priced reasonably but look like a bargain for such a complete young player.

Dylan Carlson, OF, St. Louis Cardinals (Topps Chrome Sapphire)- While not breaking out in prodigious power just yet, Carlson possesses impressive all-around hitting ability and plus defense in the outfield. He has a patient approach at the plate and knows how to use the whole field. While not necessarily a star in the making, Carlson profiles as a multi-tool player capable of batting .280 with 10-15 home runs, 10-15 stolen bases, and Gold Glove caliber defense annually. That’s an extremely valuable asset, and his cards could start surging as he gets closer to the majors.

Michael Kopech, RHP, Chicago White Sox (Toppschrome)- Originally in the Red Sox system, Kopech possesses some of the best raw stuff in the minors with a 100 mph fastball and a nasty slider. Issues with control and consistency have slowed his development, but the White Sox still view him as a future starter. If Kopech can harness that electric stuff and gain better command, he has true ace potential and game-changing strikeout stuff. His prospect cards have taken hits but could deliver big returns in a breakout.

This covers just some of the headliner prospects whose cards are worth investing in. There are several other depth prospects like Nate Pearson, Jesus Luzardo, Ke’Bryan Hayes, and Esteury Ruiz that could emerge as core players too. With the money involved in today’s game, teams are pushing top prospects hard. Some will no doubt fail to fulfill expectations. But if collectors can correctly pick future stars from this bumper crop of talent, their prospect cards stand to gain immense value as their future greatness unfolds at the MLB level. The MLB prospect card market remains as exciting as ever.

BASEBALL PROSPECT CARDS TO INVEST IN

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When it comes to investing in baseball cards, many collectors focus on future stars by targeting prospects in minor league systems. Prospect cards offer cheaper alternatives to investing in established MLB stars and provide opportunities to get cards before players make their big league debuts. While every prospect carries risk and uncertainty, the upside potential with emerging talents makes their cards compelling investments. This article will examine several promising baseball prospects whose cards may appreciate in value as their careers progress.

For those wanting to take a chance on potentially the next Mike Trout, Wander Franco is one of the safest bets among baseball prospects. The Tampa Bay Rays shortstop has been topping prospect rankings since debuting in professional ball and has done nothing but hit at every level. In 2020 at just 19 years old, Franco slashed .288/.349/.460 between A-ball and Double-A with 10 home runs and 48 RBIs in only 59 games. MLB Pipeline currently ranks Franco as the No. 1 overall prospect in baseball, praising his smooth left-handed swing, commanding plate presence, and well-rounded game. Franco is expected to make his MLB debut in 2021 and could be a perennial All-Star and batting title contender for years. His cards, especially prized rookies and parallels, offer high-upside value as he develops into a future star.

Another elite shortstop prospect that collectors should consider targeting cards of is Maricopa’s Bobby Witt Jr.. Son of former major leaguer Bobby Witt, Witt Jr. was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 draft by the Kansas City Royals. While playing at just 20 years old, Witt impressed hugely in his pro debut season, hitting .290 with 11 home runs and 60 RBIs between High-A and Double-A. Scouts rave about Witt’s five-tool ability and see him as an absolute stud with Gold Glove potential at short. With the Royals ready to contend, Witt could join the big league club in late 2021 or 2022. His Bowman Chrome prospect cards in particular hold strong long-term upside as one of the best shortstop talents to enter the pros in years.

Staying with the theme of top-ranked shortstop prospects, Mariners fan favorites may want to consider stocking up on cards of Noelvi Marte. Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2018, Marte has skyrocketed up prospect boards with his advanced hitting skills and defensive polish at just 19 years old. In 2019 between the Arizona and Low-A levels, Marte hit .264 with seven homers and 24 RBIs in just 57 games. MLB.com now ranks Marte as Seattle’s new top prospect, ahead of touted prospects like Jarred Kelenic and Julio Rodriguez. At 6-foot-3 with a smooth lefty swing and developing power, Marte profiles as a perennial All-Star if his progress keeps up. As the future shortstop of the Mariners, Marte’s supply of prized rookie cards could pay off in a big way.

For National League fans wanting future star cards at an affordable price, Ke’Bryan Hayes of the Pittsburgh Pirates may fit the bill perfectly. The son of longtime major leaguer Charlie Hayes, Ke’Bryan was drafted in 2015 out of high school and has put himself on the fast track since. In 2019 between Double-A and Triple-A, Hayes slashed an astonishing .376/.442/.576 with 11 home runs and 55 RBIs in just 89 games, barely missing a batting title. At just 23 years old, Hayes looks MLB ready on both sides of the ball thanks to his sweet lefty swing and slick glove at third base. Expected to be the Pirates’ everyday third baseman by 2021, Hayes’ chrome rookie cards sell for under $10 each currently but could appreciate greatly as his career unfolds.

No prospects list would be complete without mentioning some highly touted young arms. For starting pitching prospects, Tampa Bay’s Shane Baz leads the way. A 6-foot-3 righty drafted 12th overall in 2017, Baz has electric stuff with a mid to upper 90s fastball and biting slider. His 2019 campaign saw Baz strike out 132 batters and hold opponents to a .189 average between Low-A and High-A. MLB Pipeline ranks Baz currently as the Rays’ top prospect and has him projected as a future No. 2 or 3 starter if he refines his command. Baz’s 2018 Bowman Chrome cards in particular sell for reasonable values currently and could be a bargain given his frontline upside.

For bullpen prospects, Devin Williams of the Milwaukee Brewers stands out as an elite closer-of-the-future. Undrafted out of high school, Williams was signed for just $2,500 and has blown scouts away since with his swing-and-miss slider. Across Double-A and Triple-A in 2019, Williams struck out an astounding 82 batters compared to just FOUR walks in only 37 innings! His 0.33 ERA and 12 saves between levels thrust him up prospect lists as arguably the best relief prospect in baseball. Williams is likely to assure a spot in the Brewers’ big league bullpen in 2021. His ultra-rare Topps Chrome autos from 2018 could explode in value if he becomes the unhittable late-inning arm Milwaukee hopes he’ll be.

This article has highlighted just a handful of the top baseball prospects with future star potential whose cards offer opportunities for patient investors. While success is never guaranteed, targeting promising minor leaguers before they break out can yield cards with room for value growth down the line. Focusing research on elite talents drafted highly, those excelling at young ages in full-season ball, and those ranked atop industry-followed prospect lists ups the odds of buying into future All-Stars. Staying on top of prospects’ development and call-ups to the majors will help determine when to hold onto prized rookies or sell for profit as careers blossom. With careful selection and a long-term outlook, investing in top prospects can be a smart speculation play in the ever-changing baseball card market.

BEST BASEBALL PROSPECT CARDS TO INVEST IN

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When it comes to investing in baseball cards, most collectors focus on stars of the past. One of the most profitable strategies is to invest in the top prospects of the future. These young players have yet to establish themselves at the major league level, allowing their rookie cards to be acquired at affordable prices compared to what they could be worth down the road.

Of course, there is risk involved, as not every prospect pans out as expected. Injuries, lack of development, or failures to adapt to MLB can derail even the most highly-touted minor leaguers. By doing research on a player’s skill set, stats, pedigree within their organization, and industry rankings, savvy collectors can gain an edge in identifying the prospects most likely to succeed.

With that in mind, here are some of the best baseball prospect cards to consider adding to your portfolio if you want to invest in the stars of tomorrow:

Wander Franco, Tampa Bay Rays – Widely considered the top overall prospect in baseball, the switch-hitting shortstop has drawn comparisons to Alex Rodriguez for his combination of power, speed, and batting instincts. Franco hit .327 with 10 home runs as a 19-year-old in Double-A in 2019 and should reach the majors by 2021. His 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor card in pristine condition could be worth $1,000+ if he fulfills his potential.

Jo Adell, Los Angeles Angels – Adell has five-tool talent and plus speed that allows him to impact games in many ways. He hit .289 with 10 homers in just 46 games at Triple-A in 2019 before an injury ended his season. With Mike Trout getting older, Adell could be the next centerpiece of the Angels’ offense. His 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor sells in the $300-400 range now but could multiply in value.

MacKenzie Gore, San Diego Padres – Ranked as the top left-handed pitching prospect in baseball, Gore has three potential plus pitches and the makeup to dominate as a frontline starter. He struck out over 10 batters per nine innings between Low-A and High-A in 2019 at age 20. Gore’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor in a PSA 10 gem mint could be a $1,000 investment within a few years.

Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals – The son of former major leaguer Bobby Witt, this shortstop was taken second overall in the 2019 draft and quickly showed why with a .290 average and 10 home runs in his debut. Witt has plus power from both sides of the plate and the hands for batting titles. His 2019 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor could rise above $500 if he becomes a perennial All-Star.

Gavin Lux, Los Angeles Dodgers – Lux tore through Double-A and Triple-A in 2019 with a .347 average and 26 home runs, showcasing why he is one of the top pure hitters in the minors. He made his MLB debut at age 21 and will likely be an everyday player by 2021. Lux’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor in pristine condition could net $400-500 in the coming years.

Casey Mize, Detroit Tigers – The number one overall pick in the 2018 draft, the right-handed Mize has three plus pitches including a devastating splitter. He struck out nearly a batter per inning between High-A and Double-A in 2019. Mize is on the fast track and profiles as a future ace. His 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor could be worth $750-1,000 if he makes good on his promise.

Nico Hoerner, Chicago Cubs – A smart, contact-oriented hitter with surprising pop, Hoerner hit .284 with 30 doubles and eight homers between Double-A and Triple-A in 2019 before his MLB debut. He should lock down second base for the Cubs for years. Hoerner’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor in pristine condition could net $300-500 based on his upside.

Dylan Carlson, St. Louis Cardinals – The switch-hitting Carlson has a polished all-around game and hit .292 with 26 extra-base hits between Double-A and Triple-A as a 21-year-old in 2019. He could start in the Cardinals’ outfield as early as 2021. Carlson’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor in a PSA 10 could be worth $400-600.

Cristian Pache, Atlanta Braves – Considered one of the elite defensive outfield prospects in baseball, Pache also made strides at the plate in 2019 by hitting 12 homers and stealing 21 bases between Double-A and Triple-A. He has the upside of a five-tool star and his spot could be waiting in 2021. Pache’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor sells in the $200-300 range now.

Brendan McKay, Tampa Bay Rays – A two-way star as the fourth overall pick in the 2017 draft, McKay struck out over 11 batters per nine innings as a starting pitcher in the minors in 2019 while also hitting .265 with six homers. The Rays will develop him as either a frontline starter or impact bat. McKay’s 2017 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor could reach $500.

Michael Kopech, Chicago White Sox – Injuries have slowed Kopech’s progression, but when healthy the hard-throwing righty sits in the upper 90s with a plus slider and curve. He made four starts for the White Sox in 2018 with 11 strikeouts in 13 innings. Kopech’s 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor in pristine condition could be a $400-500 investment.

Forrest Whitley, Houston Astros – Inconsistent command has hindered Whitley so far, but the stuff and size are there for him to develop into a frontline starter. He has a mid-90s fastball and hard curveball. If Whitley puts it together, his 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor could net $300-400 based on his upside.

Luis Robert, Chicago White Sox – Signed out of Cuba in 2017, Robert has five-tool talent with plus speed and raw power. He hit .328 with 32 extra-base hits between High-A and Double-A in 2019 at age 22. Robert’s 2017 Bowman Prospect Auto Refractor sells in the $200-300 range now but could multiply in value.

Jesus Luzardo, Oakland A’s – After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2018, the hard-throwing Luzardo returned in 2019 to strike out 49 batters in 40.2 minor league innings. He made his MLB debut and will likely join the A’s rotation full-time in 2021. Luzardo’s 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor could be worth $300-500 based on his upside.

A.J. Puk, Oakland A’s – Another hard-throwing lefty for the A’s, Puk has battled injuries but profiles as a potential frontline starter if he can stay healthy. His four-seam fastball sits 95-98 mph. Puk’s 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor in pristine condition could net $300-500.

Of course, investing in prospects carries more risk than collecting stars from the past. But by doing research on a player’s skills, makeup, pedigree and industry rankings/lists, savvy collectors can gain an edge in identifying the minor leaguers most likely to succeed. If targeted properly, baseball prospect cards provide an opportunity to acquire future Hall of Famers at affordable prices before they become household names.

1991 SCORE ROOKIE PROSPECT BASEBALL CARDS

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The baseball card class of 1991 was one of the strongest for pitching prospects in the modern era. Upper deck and score racing to capture the next dynasty of future stars debuting at the major league level. While stars like Cal Ripken Jr. and Barry Bonds continued to establish themselves, a new crop of young arms was on the rise. The 1989, 1990 and 1991 drafts were pivotal in restocking farm systems with blue chip pitching talent ready to take center stage. Score was there documenting every step of the way with their rookie prospect issues in series one and two of 1991.

Leading the way was Ben McDonald, the number one pick from the 1989 draft by the Baltimore Orioles. His score rookie card showed promise of a true ace, depicted pitching with a powerful delivery. In his first full season of 1990, McDonald won 10 games in the minors before getting the call up to Baltimore late in the season. His first full MLB campaign in 1991 saw him win 13 games as a 22-year old with a promising future. An injury plagued career never lived up to the hype initially, but that 1991 score rookie card remains a key piece from the period.

Another arm generating excitement was Todd Van Poppel, selected 14th overall by the Oakland A’s in the 1990 draft. With a blazing fastball that touched triple digits on the radar gun, it was only a matter of time before he made his debut. His rookie card in score showed why he was coveted, with an intimidating stare down wind up. Van Poppel reached the majors late in 1990 but struggled with control issues. Bouncing between the minors and majors, he never fully delivered on expectations. Still, his rookie card endures as a snapshot of a pitcher with electric stuff that teased what could have been.

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One of the top international amateur signings of 1990 was Pedro Martinez from the Dominican Republic. Signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers as a 17-year old, his rookie card in score was among the earliest glimpses of the future hall of famer. While listed at just 145 pounds at the time, his delivery showed how that slight frame was deceiving with a high leg kick and whip like arm motion. After tearing up the low minors in his stateside debut season of 1990, Pedro was poised for stardom. Traded to Montreal before 1991, within three years he was an all-star with the Expos on his way to dominating MLB for over a decade. The 1991 score Pedro Martinez rookie card stands out as one of the best long term investments from the entire set.

While pitchers drew the most excitement, sluggers like Juan Gonzalez also had promising rookie cards. As an 18-year old signed by the Texas Rangers out of the Dominican Republic, his hulking physique and sweet left handed swing was evident on his 1991 score issue. Gonzales tore up A-Ball in 1990 with 23 home runs in just 84 games, announcing his power potential. Within two years he was in the majors to stay, launching tape measure home runs on the way to two MVP awards and over 450 career long balls. His card appealed to both prospectors and Latino baseball fans alike as a star was born.

Some other key prospect pitchers featured included David Cone (Blue Jays), Jimmy Key (Yankees), Frank Tanana, (Angels), Pat Rapp (Expos), Anthony Young (Mets), Greg Swindell (Indians), Mike Harkey (Padres). Each had promising rookie cards showing them in minor league or big league uniforms with stat lines hinting at MLB success to come. While not all panned out as planned, their inclusion captured the pipeline of new pitching talent entering the sport during baseball’s steroid and home run surge era in the 1990s and beyond.

Perhaps the biggest what if of the pitching focused 1991 score rookie prospect set could have been Bret Saberhagen of the Kansas City Royals. A two-time Cy Young winner and the 1985 World Series MVP by age 22, his inclusion in the set was a reminder of how dominant he already was by 1991 at just 26-years old. But arm injuries would slow his career progress and keep him from achieving the ace status his early prime suggested. Still, as the reigning AL Cy Young winner in 1989 and a pitching maven, his card embodied the promise any arm held as MLB refinements continued innovating.

Other hitters with aspirations of stardom featured included Felix Jose (Rangers), Raul Mondesi (Dodgers), Chuck Knoblauch (Twins). Each possessed the toolbox of abilities scouts covet, crafted nicely by the photography and design of score. While injury, expectations or adjustments may have altered careers; for a brief snapshot these cards captured dreamers chasing glory on the sports biggest stage. Reminding fans of the renewal process constant in baseball across generations, score 1991 rookie prospects were a special class forever imprinted on the sport.

The 1991 score rookie prospect set delivered exactly what investors and collectors hoped for. Dozens of future all-stars, hall of famers and enduring careers were unveiled. Pitchers predominated the checklist as clubs stockpiled arms for the demanding schedules of modern MLB. While natural fluctuations saw some bust while others excelled, the cards captured aspiration. Over 30 years later they remain a fond reminder of baseball`s eternal cycle and hope renewed with each new draft class. For engaging fun and profit potential alike, 1991 score rookie prospects were among the strongest offerings in the modern trading card boom era. Their legacy lives on whenever fans reminisce of stars beginnings.