The MLB star most likely to take the sports card hobby by storm in 2024

With MLB’s 2024 opening day now behind us, here’s our Online Auctioneer pick for the player most likely to skyrocket in the hobby: Julio Rodriguez.

Yes, the Seattle Mariners centerfielder has already been a stellar producer, hitting .279 with 60 HRs and 62 steals over his first two seasons. But if the 23-year-old five-tool star continues to progress, waves of collectors will more rabidly join the chase.

They’re already on the hunt, as reflected by the No. 4 item on our monthly Top 10 chart (see below): a Gem-Mint 2019 Bowman Chrome Red Refractor that sold for $22,400.

Also See: Shohei Ohtani rookie, 2024 top prospects highlight eBay Marquee Auction

Other recent prices paid on eBay for Rodriguez cards:

• $6,055 on 74 bids for a 2022 Topps Dynasty Black Patch autographed card. This rarity was marked #1/5 and graded PSA 10. Another example of the same card—this one featuring the Nike swoosh on the embedded patch—sold for $4,605 on 53 bids.

Also See: Collecting autographs and watching baseball at MLB Spring Training 

• $5,200 on one bid for a 2022 Topps Chrome Red Refractor card with autograph. This one was marked #5/5 and graded BGS 9.5.

• $4,201 on 40 bids for a signed 2019 Bowman Chrome Atomic Refractor. This colorful piece was marked #47/100 and graded PSA 10.

• $3,717 on 66 bids for a 2022 Bowman’s Best Superfractor. A 1-of-1, this “pack-fresh” card was ungraded but, judging from the listing photo, in top condition.

1. $38,900 on 61 bids: 1961-62 Fleer Wilt Chamberlain (PSA 8)

2. $23,100 on 53 bids: 2023 Bowman Chrome Draft Expos Tom Brady Red Refractor, #3/5, auto (ungraded)

3. $22,505 on 81 bids: 2005 Donruss Signature Stamps Babe Ruth, 1/1, auto patch (ungraded; BGS authenticated)

4. $22,400 on 71 bids: 2019 Bowman Chrome Julio Rodriguez Red Shimmer Refractor, #5/5, auto (PSA 10)

5. $21,230 on 26 bids: 2018 Panini Prizm FIFA World Cup Soccer sealed hobby case, 12 boxes

6. $21,100 on 36 bids: 1984-85 Star Michael Jordan (BGS 8)

7. $21,100 on 76 bids: 2017 Panini Impeccable Elegance Patrick Mahomes II Helmet Nameplate, #18/25, auto patch (PSA 10)

8. $18,181 on 49 bids: 2000 Playoff Contenders Tom Brady Rookie Ticket, auto (PSA 7.5)

9. $17,820 on 44 bids: 2023-24 Upper Deck Connor Bedard Red Young Guns (#9/25, ungraded)

10. $17,600 on 64 bids: 2023-24 Panini Prizm Victor Wembanyama Orange Prizm, #34/49 (PSA 10)