The market for baseball cards featuring specific superstars (or rising superstars) is hot right now.
According to the latest Beckett Baseball Card Hot List, several are commanding serious attention and premium prices. Let’s dive into the top 15 cardboard treasures that are currently dominating the hobby landscape.
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Beckett’s Top 15 Baseball Cards Right Now
The following cards are currently at the top of Beckett’s hot list:
- 2018 Bowman Chrome #1 Shohei Ohtani RC ($200-$500)
- 2018 Bowman #49 Shohei Ohtani RC ($20-$50)
- 2018 Topps Chrome #150 Shohei Ohtani RC ($60-$150)
- 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Draft Pick Autographs #AJ Aaron Judge ($750-$2,000)
- 2024 Bowman Chrome Draft Autographs #CPAJC Jac Caglianone ($125-$300)
- 2023 Bowman Chrome Draft Autographs #CDAPS Paul Skenes ($300-$800)
- 2018 Topps #700 Shohei Ohtani RC ($25-$60)
- 2011 Topps Update #US175 Mike Trout RC ($200-$500)
- 2017 Topps Chrome #169 Aaron Judge RC ($30-$80)
- 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Draft Picks #BDPP19 Aaron Judge ($75-$200)
- 2019 Bowman Chrome Draft Autographs #CDAGH Gunnar Henderson ($200-$500)
- 2024 Bowman Chrome Draft Autographs #CPATB Travis Bazzana ($100-$250)
- 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs #CPAFT Fernando Tatis Jr. ($200-$500)
- 2024 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs #CPAPS Paul Skenes ($200-$500)
- 2024 Bowman Chrome Draft Autographs #CPANK Nick Kurtz ($60-$150)
Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge cards dominate the top 10, which isn’t a surprise. Prospects and young stars round out the remaining spots.
Ohtani Continues to Dominate the Market
It’s incredible to see Ohtani holding four of the top seven spots on this month’s Hot List. His 2018 Bowman Chrome rookie card has climbed to the no. 1 position, commanding between $200-$500 depending on condition.
Ohtani’s 2018 Topps Chrome #150 rookie card, which previously held the top spot, has dropped to no. 3 but still maintains a strong value between $60-$150. His flagship 2018 Topps #700 rookie card remains a collector favorite at the no. 7 position.
His unprecedented skills as both an elite pitcher and power hitter create a unique investment opportunity that collectors clearly recognize. It will be interesting to see how that changes whenever Ohtani takes the mound again. How could the value of his cards be impacted if his role changes from being in the starting rotation every fifth or sixth day?
Judge, Trout, and the Power Hitters
Aaron Judge cards are making a huge comeback on the list, with three different ones ranking in the top 15. His 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft autograph has settled at no. 4 overall with a staggering price range of $750-$2,000! Judge’s historic power display since the start of 2022 is likely a big reason why.
The legendary Mike Trout’s 2011 Topps Update rookie card continues to hold strong at no. 8, maintaining its status as one of the most iconic modern baseball cards with a $200-$500 value range. Despite dealing with injuries in recent years, Trout’s cards remain blue-chip investments due to his Hall of Fame trajectory.
Fernando Tatis Jr.’s 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospect autograph is at no. 13, showing that collectors still value his tremendous power potential despite his past PED suspension.
Rising Stars and Prospect Movement
The prospect and rookie market is exploding right now, too. Paul Skenes appears twice on the list (at no. 6 and no. 14), with his autographed cards commanding serious attention. His electric start in the majors has collectors racing to secure his cards before prices climb even higher.
Jac Caglianone’s power potential has his 2024 Bowman Chrome Draft autograph sitting at no. 5, while Oregon State standout Travis Bazzana holds the no. 12 spot with his autographed offering from the same set.
Gunnar Henderson’s 2019 Bowman Chrome Draft autograph is at no. 11, but what’s particularly noteworthy is how quickly these prospect cards are moving up and down the rankings. Nick Kurtz, another power-hitting prospect, has his 2024 Bowman Chrome Draft autograph debuting at no. 15.
The volatility in the prospect market makes this an exciting time for collectors who enjoy speculating on baseball’s next superstars.
What cards from this list do you own? Are there any you’re targeting for your collection? Let me know in the comments below!
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