Here we review the most valuable rookie card investments for the most decorated MLB prospects spanning the last decade. We offer a current perspective on top rookie autograph card investments for each prized prospect.
MLB.com scanned each of their preseason Top 100s for the 2010s and calculated how many Prospect Points each phenom collected with each franchise. A No. 1 ranking equated to 100 Prospect Points, a No. 2 ranking to 99 and so on down to the No. 100 ranking amounting to one.
In this segment we breakdown the AL East and reveal our most valuable rookie autograph investments for each MLB prospect.
AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST
Blue Jays: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 3B
2017: 34 | 2018: 3 | 2019: 1
One of the most hyped prospects in recent memory (if not ever), Vlad Jr. opened 2019 as MLB Pipeline’s No. 1 prospect and garnered national attention when he made his highly anticipated big league debut as a 20-year-old in late April. He scuffled a bit out of the gate but improved as the season unfolded, slashing .272/.339/.433 with 15 homers and 69 RBIs in 123 games with Toronto to finish sixth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. He also put on a power clinic during a runner-up finish at the Home Run Derby in July and recorded three of the 10 hardest-hit balls in the Majors in 2019, including a 118.9 mph laser that ranked second only to Giancarlo Stanton (120.6).
VLADIMIR GUERRERO Jr(eBay). 2016 Bowman Chrome RC Gold Refractor Auto(03/50) Gem Mint
2020-01-01 || Price Listed: $8499.99 *BOA [$7,850.00]
BTC Insights : Considering the talent, skills and pedigree of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. his rookie autographs are a solid investment.
Orioles: Dylan Bundy, RHP
2012: 10 | 2013: 2 | 2014: 20 | 2015: 20
The No. 4 overall pick of the 2011 Draft and was a top 10 prospect in 2012. He rose as high as No. 2 the following year and spent two more years at No. 20, even while missing a year following Tommy John surgery. He has spent the last three years as a durable, albeit inconsistent starter in a big league rotation. He’ll get a fresh start with the Angels following the trade that sent him to Anaheim in December for four Minor Leaguers.
2011 Bowman Chrome Gold Ref #47/50 Auto Dylan Bundy BGS 9.5 GEM MT10 Auto
2019-12-21 || Price Listed: $269.99 *BOA [$175.00]
BTC Insights : Dylan Bundy rookie autographs are very affordable. If you still believe in this guy.
Rays: Wander Franco, SS
1.) 2019 Bowman(eBay) Chrome WANDER FRANCO Mega Image Variation 8/25 PSA 10 Auto 10
2020-01-03 || Price Listed: $7999.99 *BOA [$4000.00]
BTC Insights : Wander Franco is the top prospect in the Ray’s farm system. His cards are on the rise and starting to be recognized by collectors.
Red Sox: Xander Bogaerts, SS
2012: 76 | 2013: 20 | 2014: 2
The Red Sox’s best international prospect since Hanley Ramirez, Bogaerts first cracked the Top 100 after hitting 16 homers and posting an .834 OPS in Class A at age 18 in 2011. He swiftly rose to Boston, finishing 2013 in the big leagues while learning third base on the fly and playing a key role in a World Series championship that October.
XANDER BOGAERTS(eBay) 2012 BOWMAN CHROME RC ORANGE REFRACTOR AUTO #13/25 BGS 9.5/10
2020-01-20 || Price Sold: $910
BTC Insights : Xander Bogaerts has really started to come into his own the past few seasons. I believe his early inconsistencies curbed his investment value and Bogaert’s cards still offer room for gains. An early hot start to the 2020 season could propel an uptick in value.
Yankees: Gary Sánchez, C
2011: 32 | 2012: 53 | 2013: 36 | 2014: 47 | 2015: 59
Interestingly Sanchez debuted at No. 32 in 2011 after making his U.S. debut and never ranked quite that high again in any of the next four years. While his huge power and strong arm were always evident, there also were persistent concerns about his hitting ability, receiving and work ethic.
2010 Bowman Chrome 1/1 Superfractor Gary Sanchez RC Rookie PSA 10 Gem Mint Auto
2020-01-09 || Price Sold: $18999 *BOA [$7500.00]
BTC Insights : Gary Sánchez is one of the top offensive catchers in all of MLB. Injuries and lack of defensive skills over the years have hurt his cause. Nonetheless, he’s a power hitting New York Yankee and that always carries clout.
*BOA (Best Offer Accepted)
All BTC card value data sourced via Ebay.
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