As the crack of the bat and the thud of the catcher’s mitt signal the start of another promising Major League Baseball season, there’s a different kind of anticipation brewing in the world of baseball card collecting. With Spring Training in full swing, it’s prime time for astute collectors and investors to zero in on those overlooked gems among baseball cards that could see a remarkable appreciation in value as the 2025 MLB season unfolds. Imagine striking gold with rookie cards that are currently lying modestly undervalued and have yet to catch the wider market’s eye.
Enter the treasure trove: This year, we’re spotlighting four players with cards that are begging for attention. These athletes, though perhaps not headliners in mainstream sports conversations, are on the brink of potential breakout seasons. Let’s uncover why these cards should be hot on your shopping list and deserve a prominent place in your collection.
The first gem in our baseball card chest is Brandon Pfaadt of the Arizona Diamondbacks. While Pfaadt’s statistical contributions might superficially cause shoulder shrugs, the savvy investor understands that his potential trumps what meets the eye. In his career-detailing innings, his current 5.06 ERA could be misleading. If you peel back the layers and scrutinize the more nuanced metrics of his 2024 campaign—a 4.71 ERA with stronger indicators like a 3.78 expected ERA (xERA) and a 3.61 FIP—it’s evident he has much to offer. His ability to strike out hitters at a rate of 9.04 K/9, coupled with a disciplined command evidenced by a 2.2 BB/9, underscores a pitcher on the cusp of breaking through. With heavyweights like Corbin Burnes and Zac Gallen shouldering the ace duties, Pfaadt can flourish under less pressure, making his rookie cards a savvy long-term speculative buy.
Moving from the desert to the Steel City, we find Jared Jones of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Nestled within an exhilaratingly young rotation, Jones is the wallflower at the dance, yet his presence on the mound is anything but. His 2024 season showcased a 4.14 ERA coupled with an equally impressive 4.05 xERA, alongside a solid 4.00 FIP. Jones’ commanding mound presence was reflected in a robust 9.7 K/9 ratio, suggesting untapped potential with a recently expanded arsenal that now includes a sophisticated two-seam fastball. The market value for Jones’ Topps Chrome Rookie Auto is a meager $30—a steal given the promise that this youngster holds. A healthy season and improved command could propel the value of his cards to new heights.
Taking a leap to Baltimore, the overlooked yet formidable Heston Kjerstad awaits in the Orioles’ talent-stacked farm system. Although Kjerstad hasn’t been afforded too many opportunities at the major league level, his minor league numbers paint a vivid picture of potential. His 2024 stats—a .303 batting average with a shiny .401 OBP and thunderous .584 slugging percentage—tell the story of someone ready to make the leap. With 16 homers and 61 RBIs, he’s a potent mix of power and precision at the plate. Despite the crowded lineup in Baltimore, should he edge his way into a more regular slot, perhaps through designated hitting duties, his card values are poised to leapfrog significantly. Consider his 2024 Bowman Chrome Rookie Gold Refractor Auto /50 PSA 10 card selling for a mere $150—a scenario ripe for the judicious investor.
Rounding out this quartet of diamond-in-the-rough candidates is Detroit’s Kerry Carpenter. If you’re scouring for pop in the field, look no further. Carpenter has quietly proven himself as a formidable power hitter, already boasting 44 home runs over just 236 games, alongside 131 RBIs. Despite battling injuries in 2024, he still managed a commendable output of 18 homers and 57 RBIs across mere 87 games. Factors such as a refined approach that saw notable evolutions in his hard-hit rate, HR/FB ratio, and exit velocity position Carpenter as a staple slugger in Detroit’s lineup. His undervalued rookie autos present a compelling investment opportunity, particularly before he strings together a full, breakout season.
These four unsung heroes of the card-collecting world represent more than mere memorabilia—they’re opportunities to enter early into budding stardom. As the MLB season accelerates, the increase in their card values could mirror their ascension on the field. For those keen on enriching their card collections or reaping investment returns, timing the market with these sleeper picks before they shed the underdog tag could prove to be a masterstroke. Grab these cards before the inevitable buzz engulfs them, inflating prices beyond reach!