Things are different in the MLB than they were say ten years ago. Back then, most teams were happy to manipulate young players' service times, refusing to call them up even if they provided the best chance at winning. While some teams still prefer to operate this, many others don't.
As a result, the game's brightest stars are getting younger and younger. The 2023 season features a special rookie class. Here are some cards of these rookie players you might want to check out.
Francisco Alvarez 2020 Bowman Chrome Auto
The Mets didn't necessarily want to make Francisco Alvarez their everyday catcher in 2023. The team thought that the backstop might be better served improving his defense in AAA. Due to injuries and Alvarez's massive bat, they Metropolitans could wait no more.
Not only is the catcher hitting home runs on a very frequent basis, his defense has also improved as he's been working with major league coaches. It is unlikely that Alvarez will ever have to see the minors again and it looks like the Mets have their catcher of the future. Alvarez's Bowman Chrome Auto rookie is selling for hundreds of dollars in prime condition and may only go up.
Masataka Yoshida 2023 Topps Big League
This one is a bit unfair as the 29-year-old had previously played professionally in Japan. Still, the outfielder is facing MLB pitching for the first time and has been everything the Red Sox could have asked for and more. Yoshida is currently getting on base at a .381 clip with a .482 slugging percentage.
Japanese players are always interesting to collect because there is a whole other baseball-mad country that also takes interest in their collectibles. Yoshida's Topps Big League rookie is currently selling on eBay for around $35.
Esteury Ruiz 2023 Topps Now With Rickey Henderson
The Oakland A's have long been associated with stolen bases. The King of Steals, Rickey Henderson, plied his trade there for many years. Now there is a new big-time stolen base threat in Oakland and he is in his rookie year. Esteury Ruiz has swiped an astonishing 31 bases so far.
Topps recently commemorated Ruiz's thievery with a Topps Now card that features both Henderson and the rookie. The ard sold out almost immediately, but copies can be purchased on eBay for around $15.
Taj Bradley 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto
The Tampa Bay Rays tend to take a longer time bringing up their prospects than other franchises. And Taj Bradley, despite his tremendous performance in the minors, was not pegged to start the year in the rotation. But Tampa Bay has had several injuries to deal with and Bradley has received his shot.
The right-handed fireballer is making the most of his opportunity and it doesn't look like he'll be going back to the minors. Bradley's Bowman Chrome Prospect rookie auto can be had for under $100 in a PSA 9.
Corbin Carroll 2019 Bowman Chrome Draft
Despite his small stature (5-10 and 165 pounds), Corbin Carroll dominated every level of minor league baseball. And he is the latest example of why size doesn't matter for hitters in the major leagues. Carroll has developed into not only one of the best rookies in the majors but one of the best overall players.
An absolute shoo-in for the National League Rookie of the Year Award, Carroll's cards are already a hot item online. His Bowman Chrome Draft rookie is currently selling for a few hundred dollars in prime condition.
*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.