Cal Raleigh Rookie Card Breaks Record, Sells For More Than $80K

Last Updated on October 14, 2025 by Matt Musico

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh just wrapped up one of the most powerful seasons in baseball history. As you can imagine, some collectors are responding accordingly. Sports Collectors Digest recently noted that a 2019 Cal Raleigh rookie card sold for more than $80,000 at auction.

(And, I know this shouldn’t technically be a rookie card, but I’m just staying consistent with how it’s labeled on Goldin’s website.)

While this is impressive, it’s also a direct reflection of what Big Dumper accomplished on the field this year. And, more specifically, what he did in the batter’s box (both of them!). When you break franchise records and rewrite the MLB record books as a catcher, the market takes notice.

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Record-Breaking Sale for a Cal Raleigh Rookie Card

The card we’re talking about is Raleigh’s 2019 Bowman Chrome Superfractor, which sold for $80,520 (including the buyer’s premium) through Goldin’s September Elite Auction. This sale set a new high-water mark for Raleigh cards, which makes sense given the timing. He’s fresh off a 60-homer campaign that set all kinds of records. So, the backstop’s collectibles are in legit demand right now. 

The Superfractor is a one-of-one parallel, which just ups the ante when it comes to those who are interested in this card. When you combine that scarcity with Raleigh’s historic performance, you get a recipe for serious competition.

The final hammer price (which was the result of 26 total bids) reflects both the card’s rarity and the belief that this isn’t the end for Raleigh’s on-field dominance. 

Breaking Down the 2019 Bowman Chrome Release

Bowman Chrome has been the gold standard for baseball prospect cards for a while, and the 2019 release has a special place in the hobby. This set featured autographed prospect cards across multiple parallel variations, but the Superfractor sat at the very top of everything. The chrome technology gives these cards a reflective finish that’s instantly recognizable, and the auto adds another layer of authenticity and value.

What makes this particular card even more compelling is its timing. Raleigh was still working his way through the minor leagues in 2019, showing promise but not yet the dominant force he’d become. The card gives us a glimpse of him before the majors, before the records, and before any of us knew he’d become a switch-hitting home run machine.

And, most importantly, it’s before he’d get the best nickname in baseball, if we’re being honest.

The Bowman Chrome Prospect Autos line usually features clean, on-card signatures rather than sticker autos. Combined with the rainbow refractor technology and the Superfractor’s unique status, this card checks every box for modern collectors.

Other Cal Raleigh Rookies Gaining Momentum

While the Superfractor grabbed headlines, it’s far from the only Raleigh rookie experiencing an increase in value. His 2019 Bowman Chrome base autos in various refractor parallels have all seen sizeable upticks following his record-setting campaign. Orange Refractors, limited to just 25 copies, have been particularly active on the secondary market.

Beyond Bowman, Raleigh’s 2021 Topps Series 2 rookie card (his first mainstream flagship appearance) has become more accessible for collectors working with smaller budgets. Although they haven’t been commanding five figures, these cards have definitely increased in value as more casual fans take notice of what he’s been doing. The beauty of collecting modern rookies is there are typically entry points for every budget level.

Raleigh’s Historic 2025 Season

Let’s talk about what actually drove this market surge. Raleigh didn’t just have a good year. He had an all-time season. His 60 home runs as a catcher obliterated the previous MLB record, which was 48 dingers in 2021 by Salvador Perez. And since he did it as a switch-hitter, he broke Mickey Mantle’s record of 54, which was set all the way back in 1961. To complete the trifecta, Raleigh also broke Ken Griffey Jr.’s single-season franchise record of 56 taters. 

Raleigh posted an AL-leading 125 RBI while earning his first All-Star selection, becoming the first catcher to win a Home Run Derby, and ultimately positioning himself as a legitimate MVP candidate. Big Dumper’s historic power surge helped carry the Mariners into the postseason while cementing his status as one of the game’s premier offensive catchers.

As we all know, catching is the most physically demanding position on a baseball diamond. So, maintaining the type of power production he displayed while playing in 159 of 162 regular-season games is a once-in-a-lifetime type of moment. Breaking all those home run records while managing a pitching staff and calling games shows just how valuable and durable he is. 

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