Best Players to Snag
As we bid farewell to the first month of 2024, it’s high time to step outside and feel the temperature, both literally and in the world of collectibles, to see which athletes’ trading cards are poised to scorch the market this year. In recent years, standout athletes like Julio Rodríguez and Elly De La Cruz have ignited a trading card frenzy, commanding hefty prices due to their soaring popularity. So, as we welcome the year of the Dragon, we’ve compiled a list of athletes who could very well dominate the trading card game in 2024.
Top Players to Collect
Joe Mauer
Mauer hung up his cleats in 2018, but his influence on baseball endures. In 2024, the Twins’ legend achieved the remarkable feat of joining Pudge Rodriguez and Johnny Bench as one of three catchers to make it to the Hall of Fame on their very first ballot. This well-deserved honor is poised to trigger a significant surge in the value of his trading cards. Keep those eyes peeled, especially for the iconic 2002 Bowman Chrome #391 Joe Mauer card.
Jackson Chourio
Chourio’s the No. 2 prospect, according to MLB.com, and many believe 2024 should be the year he earns a call-up. If so, expect the value of his first Bowman (which dropped in 2022) and other trading cards to increase. The 19-year-old recently signed an eight-year deal with the Brewers and has torched the minors, validating his hype as a top prospect. Happy Hunting!
Evan Carter
When the Rangers made the call-up in 2023, Carter graduated from strictly Bowman Products to the Big Leagues. The promotion saw the 2020 second-round pick become a pivotal player on a roster that clinched Texas its first World Series title and resulted in the creation of several memorable Topps Now cards immortalizing his postseason heroics. As we continue into 2024, Carter is set to make his debut appearance in Topps’ flagship Series 1 product, and his cards will proudly bear the coveted RC (Rookie Card) distinction. Trust us, collecting Carter is an absolute must.
Conor McGregor
Whether McGregor is actually retired or not makes no difference. He’s still arguably the biggest name in UFC, and his brand of flash and trash talk still holds weight among casuals. McGregor has cards on the market that currently sit at pricey numbers and will be making more appearances in Topps UFC products in 2024. In a sport where personality pays, nobody commands more love than the Gucci drippin’, sports car drivin’ brawler from Ireland.
Elly De La Cruz
In 2023, Ripped and Topps closely tracked De La Cruz’s every move, spotlighting his frequent Topps Now cards that seemed to hit the net weekly. It was a whirlwind of excitement as this once-coveted prospect consistently delivered unforgettable moments, transforming the Reds into one of baseball’s most thrilling teams to watch. With the coveted RC distinction now gracing his cards in 2024, De La Cruz’s collectibles are poised to be among the most sought-after in the market. He also stands a real chance of leading the Reds to the postseason, with the promise of even more milestone moments on the horizon.
