In the fast-paced world of baseball card collecting, where vintage nostalgia meets modern market trends, the concept of grading has taken center stage. It’s not just about players’ stats on the field but also about the numbers on the cards themselves – the quantity of high grades that a player’s trading cards receive. These grading trends offer a unique glimpse into the current hierarchy of popularity among MLB rookies and prospects in 2024.
Leading the pack in the realm of graded baseball cards is Elly De La Cruz, a rising star in the MLB rookie scene. With an impressive 93,194 cards graded as of November 4th, De La Cruz has become the poster child of collectors’ admiration. His cards have garnered attention and admiration, making him a sought-after figure in the card-collecting world. Hot on his heels are the likes of Paul Skenes, the National League Rookie of the Year, and Jackson Holliday, a top prospect with immense potential, as reported by Gemrate.com in collaboration with Baseball America.
According to Gemrate founder Ryan Stuczynski, “Elly was the big chase in 2024, and his supply highlights that.” Indeed, De La Cruz’s popularity is evident in the sheer number of graded cards bearing his name, setting him apart from his rookie counterparts. Even the American League MVP, Aaron Judge, falls slightly behind in the grading race with 75,545 cards graded within the same time frame.
However, when it comes to the gold standard of card grading, all eyes turn to the National League MVP, Shohei Ohtani. The two-way phenom boasts a staggering 231,783 cards graded in the first 10 months of 2024 alone, solidifying his status as the most coveted player in the hobby. Stuczynski expressed, “Grading activity for Ohtani is unlike anything we’ve seen in the baseball category,” underscoring Ohtani’s unmatched allure among collectors. With a cumulative total of 740,000 graded cards, Ohtani stands as the second-highest graded player of all time, trailing only Ken Griffey Jr.
Beyond the realm of established stars, the landscape of graded cards also highlights the emergence of promising young talents. Jasson Dominguez, a top prospect, leads Baseball America’s list of Top 100 prospects in total graded cards for 2024. Alongside Dominguez, names like Dylan Crews and Walker Jenkins signify the growing interest in baseball’s future stars, as collectors eagerly anticipate their rise to stardom.
The data not only reflects the current state of the baseball card market but also underscores the impact of hype on collector behavior. As new prospects garner attention and rookies make their mark, collectors flock to their cards, driving up grading activity and signaling potential value appreciation in the future.
The grading data is sourced from the industry’s major players, including PSA, BGS, ISA, SGC, and CGC. Each company’s involvement in the grading process highlights the widespread influence of these trends, offering a glimpse into both player performance and collector sentiment shaping the market.
Understanding grading trends is essential for collectors looking to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of baseball card collecting. Whether you’re chasing after rookies like Elly De La Cruz or investing in the potential of future stars like Jasson Dominguez, keeping tabs on grading numbers can provide valuable insights into market dynamics and potential investment opportunities. As the baseball card market continues to evolve in 2024, these players are poised to leave a lasting impact, both on the field and in collectors’ hearts.
