Top MLB rookie cards to chase in 2024

There are plenty of prospects and rookies to chase this season. Here’s our top 10 to look out for, in addition to three honorable mentions, as we enter the new Major League Baseball season.

Technically a rookie last season, De La Cruz retains his “RC” designation—at least when it comes to trading cards—in 2024 sets. The Cincinnati Reds shortstop is the biggest chase card in Topps Series 1 on the back of last season’s strong performance, where he stole a staggering 35 bases.

Also See: Holliday, Chourio top top MLB prospects for 2024 

After Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman, the Orioles unveil a new rookie in budding infielder Jackson Holliday. He has several minor league cards in 2023 Bowman sets, but collectors will be eager to buy up his rookie cards as they trickle out this season.

Could Yamamoto be the next big pitching sensation from Japan since Shohei Ohtani? The Los Angeles Dodgers hope so. Yamamoto has a 2017 rookie card with the Orix Buffaloes in the BBM Japanese card set, but collectors have shown their love by gobbling up his Topps Now card released after he was signed this winter.

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Another 2023 standout who put up big numbers last season is Texas Rangers outfielder Evan Carter. Also featured in Series 1, the late call-up, who hit .306 last season, was a key member in the Rangers’ World Series conquest. He could very well leave his stamp on the hobby with a strong sophomore season showing.

This outfielder is another top prospect collectors will want to keep tabs on over the course of this season. The Brewers signed Chourio to a staggering $82 million contract over eight years. His “Rated Rookie” card appeared in last year’s Donruss set.

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This budding pitcher could very well see action this season. The right-hander took part in the team’s spring training after spending last year posting a 1.69 ERA while helping lead LSU to the College World Series championship. He has a rookie card in the 2023 Leaf Metal Continuum multi-sport set.

Another offensive weapon, the Rays shortstop hit .324 in the minors last year. He got a late-season call to the majors in 2023, but it was enough to whet the appetites of collectors who see potential in his hitting power. So much so that his Bowman prospects cards skyrocketed in price last fall.

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Langford is the second Rangers prospect to make our top 10 rookies to chase. He rose up the minor-league ranks last year, promoted to the Frisco RoughRiders of the AA Texas League for the final 12 games of their season, hitting .405, with a final stop in 2023 to the Round Rock Express of the AAA Pacific Coast League.

Washington’s top prospect could make an impact at centerfield this season. Crews was named to the Nationals’ spring training roster and has appeared in several minor-league sets. Among the one that stands out is his appearance in the 2023 Panini USA Baseball Stars & Stripes set.

Salas closes out our top 10 list. Just 17, Salas could very well be the future for the Padres behind the plate. In fact, the catcher is a top prospect who will be on the minds of many collectors until he makes his MLB debut. In the meantime, his 2023 1st Bowman card has seen a steady rise in value.

Also See: Elly De La Cruz rookie cards soar during 2023 season 

The highly-touted Dominguez may be coming off Tommy John surgery, but the Yankees have high hopes for the switch-hitting outfielder. So do collectors, who have been speculating on him since his 1st Bowman card was released in 2020. Although he’s been on collector’s radar for years in the form of minor-league cards, Dominguez’s rookie prices could top that starting with his 2024 Topps Series 1 card.

Montgomery was selected by the White Sox in the first round with the 22nd overall pick in the 2021 draft. After a strong showing in the minors, Montgomery continues to be heralded as the Sox’s future shortstop. His potential and abilities have drawn comparisons to Corey Seager, setting a high bar collectors hope he can reach.

The Twins prospect is another player looking to unlock his offensive potential this season. The outfielder is the most-coveted player in the Twins system heading into this season. Jenkins hit .362 in 105 at-bats across rookie league and A ball last summer, belting three home runs and driving in 22 runs while striking out just 14 times in 26 games.