As the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd start to fill the air once again with Spring Training kicking off, there’s more than just the promise of an exciting MLB season on the horizon. For baseball card collectors and investors, it’s a time ripe with opportunity, a golden window to snag those hidden gem cards before their value potentially skyrockets along with the careers of some promising players. While seasoned investors know that not every rookie card will turn to gold, identifying those that might before the market catches on can yield substantial rewards.
Cue the spotlight on four promising players whose baseball cards remain significantly undervalued — for now. With their current price being more palatable than an ice-cold soda on a sweltering summer day, these cards could see a significant uptick not long after the first pitch of the 2025 season is thrown.
First up to bat, we find Brandon Pfaadt of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Sure, jumbling through his stats at a glance might not cause any immediate awe, but scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll find a high-upside pitcher whose 2024 performance suggests more than meets the eye. For fans of acronyms, Pfaadt’s 4.71 ERA in 2024 belies a healthier 3.78 xERA and 3.61 FIP – numbers that hint at his potential to evolve into a true diamond in the D-Backs’ rotation. With veterans like Corbin Burnes, Zac Gallen, and Merrill Kelly providing a safety net, Pfaadt has the breathing room to refine his craft. All the more reason why his rookie cards present a potentially lucrative investment opportunity before he emerges as the next big thing.
Eye Spy Cards: 2023 Topps Chrome Rookie Card, 2023 Topps Chrome Update Rookie Card, and his 2020 Bowman Draft 1st Bowman Card are currently as affordable as a ballpark hot dog (sans inflation).
Turning our attention now to the Steel City, the Pittsburgh Pirates boast a burgeoning talent pool, with Jared Jones potentially anchoring their rotation in the future. 2024 was a telling year for Jones, posting stats that teased at untapped potential — a solid 4.14 ERA with an enhanced 4.05 xERA, coupled with 9.7 strikeouts per nine innings. Spring Training has been his laboratory, concocting a wicked two-seamer to add to his repertoire. And with his Topps Chrome Rookie Auto /499 priced at a mere $30, it’s time to channel your inner pirate and make an astute grab before this card sets sails to skyrocketing values.
Key Cards: Keep a lookout for the 2024 Topps Chrome Rookie Card, the 2024 Topps Chrome Update Series Rookie Card, and his 2020 Bowman Draft 1st Bowman Card.
Sliding over to the Baltimore Orioles, Heston Kjerstad is nestled among a farm system oozing with talent yet somehow flies under the radar. Despite a brief stint in the majors, Kjerstad’s minor league numbers don’t shy from illumination: boasting a .303/.401/.584 slash line with 16 homers throughout various minor leagues in 2024. With elite contact skills and a power bat, if he can carve out a spot in the Orioles’ lineup, perhaps as a DH, those sitting pretty with his cards could see values booming to match his bat.
Collectibles to Watch: Kjerstad’s 2024 Topps Chrome Rookie Card, the 2024 Topps Chrome Update Series Rookie Card, and his 2020 Bowman Draft 1st Bowman Card are ripe for investment now when the price is pleasantly low.
Rounding out our prospect quartet is none other than Kerry Carpenter from the Detroit Tigers. A power-laden bat swinging its way under the radar? Yes, please. Despite injury hiccups in the 2024 season, Carpenter continued to showcase his knack for slugging, belting out 18 home runs in just 87 games. All metrics point to continued improvement, and with a prime lineup spot tantalizingly close, his cards will likely become the proverbial pot of gold.
Cards Calling: The 2023 Topps Chrome Rookie Card, the charismatic 2023 Topps Chrome Purple Auto /250 (did someone say $49?), and the 2023 Topps Chrome Aqua Wave Auto /199 are all treasures waiting for a valuation reevaluation.
As these young protégés are poised to make waves and leave an indelible mark on the upcoming season, their cards present a fascinating investment opportunity. For some, collecting and investing in cards might seem akin to fortune-telling with stats, but sometimes a well-informed hunch can lead to a worthwhile payoff. So, for the savvy investor looking to get in on the ground floor, act with the precision of a well-timed swing before market dynamics catch up with these hidden gems.
