When it comes to investing in baseball cards, it’s important to focus on cards featuring players that are currently having success in Major League Baseball or cards of retired players that still hold cultural significance. Rookie cards usually provide the most upside potential if the player goes on to stardom.
Some key rookie cards worth considering in 2022 include Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr. and Julio Rodriguez. Soto, Acuña and Guerrero have already established themselves as superstars at young ages in recent seasons. Tatis is also a budding superstar when healthy but has injury concerns. Rodriguez had a breakout rookie campaign for the Mariners in 2022 at just 21 years old and could be a future star as well. Their rookie cards from 2018 (Soto, Acuña, Tatis), 2019 (Guerrero) and 2021 (Rodriguez) seasons offer good upside if any of them become baseball legends.
In terms of current stars, Mike Trout cards are always a solid investment as he is considered the best player of his generation. His 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Superfractor rookie card in particular is highly coveted and worth buying if the price is right given his sustained excellence. Recent AL MVPs Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge also have cards worth buying for the long haul as they are two of the biggest names driving interest in the game today. Other established stars to consider are Mookie Betts, Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez and Yordan Alvarez.
For franchise player cards, you can’t go wrong buying cards of Yankees legends like Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle or modern stars like Derek Jeter so long as their conditions rates appropriately. For the Red Sox, cards featuring Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, Pedro Martinez and David Ortiz hold value. Cardinals greats like Stan Musial and Bob Gibson are also evergreen options.
When it comes to retired legendary players, cards of Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Barry Bonds hold substantial cachet due to their mammoth statistical accomplishments and cultural impacts. Jackie Robinson’s 1951 Bowman and 1952 Topps cards are iconic given his trailblazing contribution to breaking baseball’s color barrier. Rookie cards for Roberto Clemente, Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, Sandy Koufax and Johnny Bench have staying power.
Vintage cards in high grades are always desirable investments for collectors, especially if they feature the above legends. Some top vintage basketball cards in demand include the 1953 Topps Mickey Mantle, 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner, 1969 Topps Johnny Bench rookie, 1956 Topps Ted Williams, 1952 Topps Willie Mays and 1962 Topps Sandy Koufax rookie. But be prepared to spend five or even six figures for pristine examples.
Bowman Chrome prospects are also cards to watch long-term as many do pan out, such as Acuña, Guerrero, Soto, Tatis. Top prospects like the Cardinals’ Jordan Walker, the Guardians’ George Valera and the Mariners’ Edwin Arroyo offer future upside in their 2022 rookie cards. Autograph and memorabilia cards can hold value as well depending on the player if signed early in their career pre-stardom.
It’s important do research to understand market trends and dynamics when investing in baseball cards long-term. Buy cards from reputable sellers, check for authenticity and grade conditions carefully using websites like PSA and BGS. Also diversity your portfolio across different players, types of cards, vintages and price points. Patience is key as investments may take years to appreciate significantly. By focusing on star players, franchise legends and top prospects backed by research, baseball cards continue to provide a fun and potentially lucrative hobby.
