Two hot rookies attract big dollars on eBay

Memorabilia collectors have always flocked to hot rookies. That won’t change anytime soon. After all, with the start of every new season, every sport is replenished with first-year players. Some work out, but many don’t.

Two candidates on the fast track to stardom appear within our list of “next 10” items outside our monthly chart of Top 10 eBay sales.  

One of them plays quarterback for Washington, and he’s looking more comfortable every week. Jayden Daniels, the Commanders’ first-round pick (and second overall in the NFL), has picked up where he left off during his Heisman-winning 2023 campaign at LSU.

Also See: It's all Shohei after historic season 

In the NFL, Daniels’ first five contests found him playing like a veteran—but with the kind of athleticism that makes him a threat as a runner as well as passer. He notched four wins in his first five starts, completing 77 percent of his passes with 1,135 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 300 yards with four more TDs. After Washington's 30-23 loss to Baltimore on Sunday, Daniels is 4-2 as a starter with 1,404 yards passing, six TDs and just two interceptions. He has rushed for 322 yards and four touchdowns. 

So it’s not surprising to see a Daniels rookie card sell for just over $35,000—a unique Topps Now item you’ll see just below.

Also See: New NFL QBs, rookie cards to chase in 2024 

The other rookie on our list is Jackson Merrill, the San Diego Padres’ versatile infielder/outfielder.

Merrill makes his debut in this space on the strength of a truly robust rookie season. The 21-year-old lefty hitter batted .292 in 2024, clubbing 24 homers, driving in 90 runs and stealing 16 bases in 19 attempts. Merrill also had a strong performance in seven playoff games, batting .250 with one home run, five RBI, four runs scored, and playing stellar center field for the Padres. 

Also See: New NFL cards hit market for 2024 season 

As with Daniels, it was a #1/1 Merrill card (a 2022 Bowman Chrome Superfractor) that got collectors bidding, sending it north of $25,000.

Also See: Top cards, collectibles for Yankee greats Aaron Judge, Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio

Our full “next 10” list for early October:

• $35,100 on 90 bids: 2024 Topps Now Jayden Daniels Gold, #1/1, auto signed “First card as a pro” (ungraded)

• $34,001 on 51 bids: 1984 Star Michael Jordan #101 (PSA 6)

• $33,782 on 41 bids: 1948 Leaf Leroy “Satchel” Paige (PSA 3.5)

• $30,200 on 19 bids: 2018 Topps Heritage Shohei Ohtani Real One Autographs, #59/69, auto (BGS 9.5)

• $30,100 on 67 bids: 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth, green background (PSA 5.5)

• $28,400 on 67 bids: 2018 Bowman Chrome Shohei Ohtani Blue Refractor (batting), #146/150, auto (PSA 10)

• $27,200 on 71 bids: 2018 Bowman Chrome Shohei Ohtani Blue Refractor (pitching), #127/150, auto (PSA 10)

• $26,100 on 49 bids: 2016 Bowman Chrome Juan Soto Orange Refractor, #2/25, auto (BGS 9.5, auto 10)

• $25,544 on 87 bids: 2020-21 Panini Contenders Optic Gold Anthony Edwards Vinyl Ticket, #1/1, auto (ungraded)

• $25,526 on 62 bids: 2022 Bowman Chrome Jackson Merrill Superfractor, #1/1, auto (PSA 9, auto 10)