In the intricate realm of baseball card collecting, grading activity is more than just numbers—it’s a testament to the players who have captured the hearts of collectors worldwide. As 2024 unfolds, one name stands out among the rest: Elly De La Cruz. With a staggering 93,194 cards graded by November 4, De La Cruz has solidified his position as the most desired rookie in the grading market, showcasing his immense popularity and undeniable allure to collectors.
Hot on De La Cruz’s heels are none other than National League Rookie of the Year, Paul Skenes, and top prospect, Jackson Holliday. According to data from Gemrate.com analyzed by Baseball America, these two rising stars have also garnered significant attention from collectors, with their graded card numbers painting a vivid picture of their growing prominence in the baseball card landscape.
Gemrate founder Ryan Stuczynski aptly summarizes the 2024 grading scene, emphasizing Elly De La Cruz’s reign as the “big chase” of the year. The numbers don’t lie—De La Cruz’s grading figures outshine even powerhouse players like American League MVP Aaron Judge, highlighting the magnetic pull of this budding baseball sensation.
However, the true titan of the grading world remains National League MVP Shohei Ohtani. With a jaw-dropping 231,783 cards graded in the first 10 months of 2024 alone, Ohtani’s allure knows no bounds. His total of 740,000 graded cards cements his legacy as one of the most collectible players in the hobby, trailing only the legendary Ken Griffey Jr. Ohtani’s sheer dominance in grading activity sets him apart as a force to be reckoned with in the baseball card universe.
Shifting the spotlight to the realm of prospects, Jasson Dominguez reigns supreme among Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects in terms of total graded cards for 2024. Dylan Crews and Walker Jenkins round out the top three, signaling a growing fascination with baseball’s burgeoning stars. The surge in grading activity for these young talents reflects the ever-evolving landscape of the baseball card market, driven by the buzz surrounding new prospects and standout rookie performances.
The grading data, compiled from renowned companies like PSA, BGS, ISA, SGC, and CGC, offers a comprehensive view of the industry’s pulse, shedding light on not just player performance but also collector sentiment. These insights are invaluable for enthusiasts looking to navigate the market and stay ahead of the curve, whether they’re chasing after rookies like De La Cruz or eyeing future stars like Dominguez.
Grading trends serve as a barometer of player popularity, market demand, and potential investment opportunities, providing collectors with a roadmap to navigate the ever-evolving baseball card landscape. Stars like Ohtani and Judge continue to drive unparalleled activity in the market, captivating fans and investors alike with their magnetic presence and stellar performances.
As the journey through 2024 unfolds, these players will continue to make waves both on and off the field, shaping the narrative of the baseball card market and captivating collectors with their enduring allure. Stay tuned for more excitement as the season progresses, with new stars rising and established names solidifying their positions as the icons of tomorrow.
