Revitalized MLB Rookie Cards and Breakout Performers Heating Up the Hobby
(Gregory Shamus via Getty Images)
The 2025 MLB season has erupted with electrifying performances from rising stars and breakout candidates, capturing the attention of fans and collectors alike. These young talents are not only dominating on the diamond but also reigniting demand for their sports memorabilia market. From dazzling pitching displays to explosive offensive performances, these players are turning potential into stardom, cementing their names in baseball lore while sparking a frenzy for their rookie cards, jerseys, and collectibles. For enthusiasts and investors, this early stretch of the season is where future legends are born—and their memorabilia becomes must-have treasures. Let's take a closer look at the players revitalizing their rookie card value and heating up the hobby:
MacKenzie Gore (WAS)
The former third overall pick in the 2017 draft is finally living up to his potential. Through two starts, Gore has struck out 18 batters over 11 innings while posting a solid 2.45 ERA. After three seasons of ups and downs with San Diego and Washington (4.15 career ERA over 383 innings), Gore appears poised to take a leap forward in his fourth year. His strong start has collectors scrambling to revisit his rookie cards, which are seeing renewed interest as he cements himself as the head of the Nationals' rotation.
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Biggest 30-day Price Mover : 2022 Topps Update #US81 SSP Variation Rookie
30-Day Change: +27.5% (Last sold for $40) Shop MacKenzie Gore cards on eBay.
Spencer Torkelson (DET)
Torkelson is finally showing signs of the ASU ballplayer who was drafted with the No. 1 overall pick from the 2020 draft. Through nine games, he's hitting .324 with four doubles, one home run, and a stellar 1.057 OPS. After three underwhelming seasons (.224 career BA), Torkelson's breakout start has Tigers fans excited—and collectors keeping an eye on his rookie memorabilia before prices spike further.
Biggest 30-day Price Mover : 2020 Bowman Draft Sapphire Edition #BD-121 Chrome
30-Day Change: +69.2% (Last sold for $129.99) Shop Spencer Torkelson cards on eBay.
Hunter Greene (CIN)
Hunter Greene's electric arm continues to dazzle in his fourth MLB season. With a 2.25 ERA and 16 strikeouts across 12 innings, Greene is proving why he was selected second overall in 2017. Over his first three seasons, Greene posted a respectable 3.85 ERA across 400 innings, but his early dominance this year suggests he's ready to take the next step as a headline ace in today's MLB. His rookie cards remain highly sought after, especially as he emerges as one of the premier young pitchers in baseball.
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Biggest 30-day Price Mover : 2022 Topps Chrome Sapphire Edition #549 Base Rookie
30-Day Change: +41.5% (Last sold for $59.85) Shop Hunter Greene cards on eBay.
Logan O'Hoppe (LAA)
The Angels' catcher is off to a beaming start at the plate, batting .345 with five home runs and an eye-popping 1.229 OPS through seven games. He's hit homers in 4 games in a row. Now in his third full MLB season, O'Hoppe has already surpassed expectations for power output while building on his career .247 batting average and 39 home runs across 199 games. Drafted in the 23rd round by Philadelphia in 2018, O'Hoppe's rise from obscurity to stardom makes his rookie cards particularly appealing for collectors looking for under-the-radar gems.
Biggest 30-day Price Mover : 2023 Topps Chrome #RA-LO Rookie Autographs Gold Refractor /50
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Now stepping out of the on-deck circle are these rookies and second-year players, who are either igniting or solidifying their hype as prospects to watch in the card market.
Jacob Wilson (ATH)
Wilson is making the most of his first full MLB season, hitting an impressive .351 with two home runs and seven RBIs through ten games. Drafted sixth overall in 2023 out of GCU, the young infielder showcased his potential with a strong spring training performance (.308 BA, 2 HRs) and is now translating that success into regular-season production. As one of the A's brightest prospects, Wilson's rookie memorabilia is becoming a hot commodity among fans and collectors alike.
Biggest 30-day Price Mover : 2025 Topps #314 Orange Holo Foil
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30-Day Change: +54.4% (Last sold for $142.49) Shop Jacob Wilson cards on eBay.
Spencer Schwellenbach (ATL)
Schwellenbach has been unhittable early this season, LITERALLY…. logging 14 scoreless innings with 14 strikeouts. The Braves' right-hander is entering his second full MLB season after an impressive rookie campaign where he posted a 3.35 ERA in 123 innings over 21 starts. Originally drafted by Cleveland in the 34th round in 2018 (he declined), Schwellenbach signed with Atlanta as a second-round pick in 2021—and it's paying dividends for both the Braves and collectors who invested early in him.
Biggest 30-day Price Mover : 2025 Topps #103 Umbrellas /10 Rookie
30-Day Change: +80% (Last sold for $100) Shop Spencer Schwellenbach cards on eBay.
Jackson Holliday (BAL)
The first overall pick from the 2022 draft seems to be finding his footing at the major league level. Holliday is hitting .300 through eight games this season after struggling during his brief debut last year (.189 BA over 60 games). As one of the most hyped up prospects in recent memory, Holliday's rookie cards are already valuable—but continued success could send their prices soaring even higher. Also, if you want a Holliday jersey–I'd snag one before he makes the top sellers list for 2025.
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Biggest 30-day Price Mover : 2025 Topps #103 Umbrellas /10 Rookie
30-Day Change: +80% (Last sold for $100) Shop Jackson Holliday cards on eBay.
Honorable Mentions
Other players generating buzz include Kyle Tucker, newly of the Chicago Cubs, and several Red Sox standouts like Kristian Campbell, Alex Bregman, Cedanne Rafaellea, and Wyler Abreu. Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe also deserves attention for his strong play early this season, especially since he broke into the top 20 in most popular jerseys since 2023 .
As these players continue to shine on the field, their impact extends far beyond box scores—energizing collectors and driving demand for rookie cards and memorabilia across the hobby. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just getting into it, now might be the perfect time to invest in these rising stars before their stock climbs even higher.
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