Skenes, Gil, and More Taking Over MLB
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes and New York Yankees pitcher Luis Gil won Rookie of the Year honors in their respective leagues.
According to MLB rules, rookie status is officially attained when a player crosses either the 130 at-bat threshold or throws 50 innings during a single season, with 45 days on an active roster. This rule has occasionally led to questions about which card is a player’s true rookie card. For instance, although this is Gil’s formal rookie season, his 2022 Topps Bowman Blue signature card makes a claim to being his rookie card.
2019 Bowman Chrome Baseball Prospect Auto Blue Refractor #CPA-LGI Luis Gil 96/150
These “pre-rookie cards” can be highly valued, so hobbyists getting an early start on piecing together collections for their favorite young players should consider these prospecting options. Today, let’s look at the top contenders for Rookie of the Year and note their standout rookie (and pre-rookie) cards.
National League Rookie Standouts
2024 Topps Baseball Update Series #100 Paul Skenes RC
Paul Skenes
Pittsburgh’s righty throws absolute fire, and if his joints hold up, it’s hard to imagine a future where he isn’t a feared presence on the mound. Skenes’ 2024 Topps Update Series #100, complete with the “RC” logo, is one upon which a collection might be built. A 2024 Topps Now card (#201) featuring the highest-quality photography is also noteworthy. For collectors seeking pre-rookie Skenes cards, the 2023 Bowman Draft (#Bd14) – look for the Chrome edition. To this point in his career, Skenes has avoided Tommy John surgery. Recognizing his talent, the Pirates have cautiously limited him to 100 pitches. If his arm holds up, the sky is the limit for Skenes.
2023 Bowman Sterling Baseball Prospect Autographs #PA-JML Jackson Merrill
Jackson Merrill
Skenes’ only serious competition for the RoY award will be San Diego’s centerfielder, Jackson Merrill. With 24 home runs and a .290 average this season, the Padres expect big things of Merrill as he matures. His 2024 Update Series (#US169) is a lovely standard rookie card, but it’s not the first printed with his likeness. Series Merrill fans should not miss the beautiful 2023 Topps Bowman Sterling Prospect signature card with Merrill’s likeness.
NL Honorable Mentions
Although Skenes and Merrill stood head and shoulders above their rookie classmates this season, a few additional players (and cards) are worth mentioning. In Milwaukee, Jackson Chourio made a serious impact, with a .275 batting average and 21 home runs. Chourio’s 2024 Topps Chrome (#161) is a nice baseline rookie card, but among pre-rookie cards, the beautifully designed 2022 Bowman Chrome Sapphire (#BCP79), with only fifty examples in circulation, is on another level.
2022 Bowman Chrome Sapphire #BCP79 Jackson Chourio
The Cubs’ pitcher, Shota Imanaga, posted excellent rookie numbers this year, so his 2024 Topps Chrome card is worth holding. Advanced collectors may want to chase down Imanaga’s “true rookie” card, a 2016 BBM #318 card featuring him at the beginning of his career in Japan.
2024 Topps Chrome Baseball #121 Shota Imanaga RC
AL Rookie Standouts
2019 Bowman Chrome Baseball Prospect Auto Blue Refractor #CPA-LGI Luis Gil 96/150
Luis Gil
At 26 years old, Gil pitched in six games for the Yankees in 2021, but 2024 will be marked as his official rookie season. His 15-7 record and 3.50 ERA were accompanied by 171 strikeouts. In addition to a 2024 Topps Now rookie card (#225), there are a few tantalizing pre-rookie cards featuring Gil. The 2019 Bowman Chrome #CPA-LGI Prospect Autograph Blue Refractor /150 featuring Gil is the first to feature him in a Yankees jersey. Gil’s 2022 Topps Chrome Sapphire /25 (#131) would be a centerpiece in any collection of Gil’s best cards.
2022 Bowman Chrome Mega Box Baseball Auto Rose Gold Refractor #CC Colton Cowser 1/1
Colton Cowser
The Baltimore Orioles had to be pleased with Cowser’s rookie season. He notched 24 home runs and tallied 69 RBI in just under 500 at-bats. His .242 batting average left room for improvement, but the signs of power were unmistakable. His 2024 Topps #257 RC will be a foundation for building a collection of Cowser cards. For serious collectors seeking something more thrilling, behold the 2022 Bowman Chrome Mega Box Rose Gold Refractor Auto 1/1.
AL Honorable Mentions
In Oakland, Mason Miller racked up 28 saves and looked barely short of brilliant for most of his rookie season. With 104 strikeouts in just 65 innings, it’s clear that MLB hitters don’t have him figured out just yet. His 2024 Topps Series 2 (#427) look great, but his 2021
Bowman Draft Chrome (#BDC85) may turn out to be the real collectible. There’s also an iconic 2024 Topps Tier One autograph color match /49 card featuring Miller – not an easy find!
2024 Topps Tier One Baseball Break Out Auto Green Foil #BOA-MMI Mason Miller 12/49
Boston’s Wilyer Abreu also had a fine rookie season, as did Cade Smith in Cleveland. Abreu’s 2024 Topps Heritage RC (#385) will look good alongside his 2024 Series 1 card (#672). Cade Smith’s 2024 Topps Update (#US134) will be a nice baseline rookie card. Smith showed promise this season, appearing in 74 games and posting a 6-1 record with an impressive 1.91 ERA.
Looking Forward
Collecting rookie baseball cards offers more than just the potential for financial gain—it provides a tangible connection to the excitement of a player’s early career. As this year’s Rookie of the Year race highlights, the rookie season is often a turning point, full of promise and possibility. Whether it’s Paul Skenes blazing fastballs past batters, Jackson Merrill showcasing power at the plate, or Luis Gil crafting strikeouts in the Bronx, these athletes represent the dreams of fans and collectors alike.
For collectors, a rookie card is more than just cardboard; it’s a snapshot of potential, a symbol of hope for what lies ahead. Chasing after rookie cards, from flagship releases like Topps Update to rare pre-rookie gems, captures the thrill of investing not just in a piece of history but in the belief that these young stars can achieve greatness.
As you build your collection of this year’s standout rookies, take a moment to appreciate the stories each card tells. Whether it’s the meteoric rise of Skenes or the steady contributions of Colton Cowser, collecting rookie cards celebrates baseball’s timeless appeal and connects generations through the joy of the game.
