One of the biggest factors that determines the hottest selling baseball cards is recent on-field performance and any notable accomplishments by current players. Players who are among the best and most successful in the league right now will generally have the highest demand cards. Another factor is any big contract deals or trades involving star players, as this sparks renewed collector interest. Rookie cards, especially for top prospects, are also very popular as collectors seek to obtain cards of players before they breakout. Cards of legends of the game from past eras remain in high demand from collectors due to their historical significance. With that context in mind, here are some of the baseball cards that are in highest demand and selling the best right now:

Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels) Cards: As one of the most electrifying and unique two-way playing talents in modern baseball as both a top pitcher and hitter, Ohtani’s cards are extremely hot. His 2018 Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor card especially rings up big numbers due to his early superstar status. Ohtani signed a massive contract extension in 2022 which boosted interest even more.

Juan Soto (San Diego Padres) Cards: After being traded from the Nationals in a blockbuster August 2022 deal, Soto’s cards skyrocketed in value and sales. The 23-year-old is considered a true five-tool superstar and potential future home run king. His flagship rookie cards from 2018 Topps are a premiere target for collection.

Ronald Acuña Jr. (Atlanta Braves) Cards: Having returned strong from an ACL injury that cost him most of 2021, Acuña reaffirmed himself as one of the game’s top young talents leading the 2022 Braves to repeat as champions. His 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor rookie card is an ultra high-end card attracting big money.

Luis Arraez (Minnesota Twins) Cards: Though not a true superstar talent, Arraez made history in 2022 by winning the AL batting title with an impressive .316 average. His 2020 Topps Chrome Blue Refractor auto/relic rookie card from his breakout year has taken off in demand and price.

Nolan Arenado (St. Louis Cardinals) Cards: Still churning out huge power numbers for the Cardinals, Arenado remains one of the best all-around third basemen ever. His 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto Refractor RC in particular maintains huge collector interest from back when he was a top prospect.

Sandy Alcantara (Miami Marlins) Cards: His dominant Cy Young winning season of 2022 where he led MLB in innings and several other categories made Alcantara cards very hot buys. His 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autograph RC became extra coveted.

Albert Pujols (St. Louis Cardinals) Cards: In what was likely his final season, seeing Pujols return to the Cardinals and chase historic milestones brought a resurgence of intense collecting of his older rookie cards from when he first burst onto the scene in 2001 with the Cardinals.

Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels) Cards: As arguably the greatest all-around player of this generation, any Mike Trout card holds strong value but especially his much pursued 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Superfractor rookie card which is among the holy grails of the hobby.

Tom Brady (Unretired) Football Cards: Despite being in a different sport, Brady’s unretirement announcement and continuing playing reignited collector enthusiasm for his older rookie football cards which see strong crossover interest from sports card investors.

Jacob deGrom (Texas Rangers) Cards: After dominant seasons hampered by injuries leading to his free agency, deGrom’s deal with Texas brought renewed attention to his amateur cards seeking to possibly get them before he returns to ace form.

Yordan Alvarez (Houston Astros) Cards: Emerging as a premier power hitter for the Astros at only age 25, Alvarez’s star has kept rising which translates to his 2019 Topps Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor RC getting significant market traction as a worthwhile investment target.

Those represent some of the individual players whose cards are in highest demand and best-selling status right now based on recent on-field performances and achievements triggering collector enthusiasm combined with their rookie or early career cards being targeted as potential future valuable investments. Hobby experts will be keeping a close eye on how intently other star rookies and young breakouts are received as their cards could quickly join these ranks in popularity. The baseball card market remains as dynamic as the game itself.