The 2020 baseball season saw many exciting rookie debuts despite the shortened 60-game schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some young stars immediately emerged and made major impacts on their teams, leading to increased interest from collectors in their rookie cards. Below we take an in-depth look at some of the most desirable rookie cards from the 2020 season that have potential to become highly valuable long-term investments.
Juan Soto (Washington Nationals): Even though Soto debuted in 2018, his cards from 2019 and 2020 are still considered rookie cards by the industry standard. Soto has already established himself as one of the best hitters in baseball at just 22 years old, slashing .301/.424/.590 with 87 home runs in his first three seasons. His Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card from 2019 sells for around $500 in near-mint condition, showing strong sustained demand. Soto’s 2020 paper rookie cards can be found for under $20 but have great upside as he continues producing at an elite level for years to come.
Fernando Tatis Jr. (San Diego Padres): Arguably the most exciting young star in baseball, Tatis took the league by storm in 2020 with a .277 batting average, 17 home runs, and 45 RBI in just 59 games. He is already a fan favorite and the face of the Padres franchise at just 22 years old. Tatis’ most valuable rookie card is the Topps Chrome Refractor from 2019, which routinely sells for $800-1000 graded Mint 9 or above. Even his common 2020 paper cards trade for $50-75, reflecting strong long-term value potential as Tatis continues delivering highlight-reel plays for Padres fans.
Luis Robert (Chicago White Sox): The 23-year old Cuban outfielder showcased five-tool talent in his rookie campaign with 11 home runs, 31 RBI, and a .233/.326/.436 slash line in 56 games for the playoff-bound White Sox. Robert’s tools and God-given ability have drawn comparisons to Mike Trout from scouts. His most valuable rookie card is the Topps Chrome Refractor from 2020, which sells for $250-350 in graded Mint condition. Even Robert’s common 2020 cards trade for $15-30, making them an attractively priced long-term investment in a potential superstar.
Gavin Lux (Los Angeles Dodgers): As a top Dodgers prospect, the 23-year old Lux was called up in September 2019 and hit .240 with 2 home runs in 30 games. He earned an everyday role at second base in 2020 and hit .376 with 2 homers in September to finish with a .993 OPS in 52 at-bats. Lux’s 2020 Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card sells for around $150-200 Mint, while even his basic paper rookies can be found for $10-20 – bargains for a player with tantalizing upside filling a need for the Dodgers.
Alec Bohm (Philadelphia Phillies): The number 3 overall pick from the 2018 draft, Bohm made his MLB debut in 2020 at just 23 years old and hit .338 with 4 HR in 121 at-bats for the Phillies. He earned the starting third base job and looks like a long-term solution at the hot corner. Bohm’s most valuable card is the Topps Chrome Refractor from 2020, selling for around $150-200 in Mint condition. Even his basic paper rookie cards have doubled in price since the end of the season, now trading hands for $15-30 with his ability to become a top young hitter in the league.
Yordan Alvarez (Houston Astros): While Alvarez debuted impressively in 2019 with 27 home runs in just 87 games, his rookie card remained in high demand in 2020 as collectors chased the new paper versions. The 24-year old Cuban slugger continued mashing with a .147 ISO and 6 home runs in 57 at-bats during the pandemic season. Alvarez’s most sought-after rookie is the 2019 Topps Chrome Sapphire, which recently sold for over $1,000 graded gem mint. Even his 2020 paper rookies trade actively for $50-75 with Alvarez cemented as a elite power threat for the Astros.
Nico Hoerner (Chicago Cubs): The 24-year old middle infielder did not see extended MLB playing time until September 2020 but played well with a .282 average and 8 RBI in 23 games. Hoerner was drafted 24th overall in 2018 and has steadily climbed the minor league ranks. While not a true breakout star in 2020, Hoerner’s pure hitting ability and pedigree playing for the Cubs make him a worthwhile longshot. His 2020 Topps Chrome Sapphire sells in the $75-100 range, and even basic rookies can be found for under $10 with room to appreciate substantially from a full season starting in 2021.
Dylan Carlson (St. Louis Cardinals): The switch-hitting Carlson got called up in late September at age 21 and slashed .200/.286/.300 in 27 at-bats but also flashed potential with two homers and excellent defense in centerfield. Considered one of the top prospects in baseball, Carlson has the makings of an impact regular for the Cardinals. His 2020 Topps Chrome Sapphire sells in the $75-100 range, nearly 10x the price of basic paper rookies available for $7-15. With a likely starting role locked up, Carlson has room for breakout stardom as early as 2021.
Deivi Garcia (New York Yankees): At just 21 years old, the diminutive Garcia dominated in his first taste of MLB action in 2020 with a 4.98 K/9 across 10 appearances including 5 starts. His 96 mph sinker and overall composure caught the attention of evaluators. While raw statistically in limited chances, Garcia’s pedigree and stuff give him the stuff to become a top starter. His 2020 Topps Chrome Sapphire recently sold for around $75, while common paper rookies can be found for under $10 – classic high-risk, high-reward lottery ticket potential.
Despite a shortened season the 2020 rookie class includes several future stars that have shown impact ability very early in their careers. Collectors seeking long-term holds would do well to acquire graded gems of their Topps Chrome Sapphire or Refractor rookies while still reasonably priced. But even common paper versions of Soto, Tatis, Robert, Bohm and others offer enormous upside at their current affordable prices. With another full season on the horizon in 2021, this 2020 rookie class looks primed to produce many valuable classics for collectors over the next decade.
