2024 Topps Series 1 Rookies to Snag
As the baseball world prepares for the 2024 MLB season, collectors and fans eagerly await the annual release of Topps Series 1, a cherished tradition in the trading card world. Like the changing seasons, this iconic release carries a rich history dating back decades. As pitchers and catchers report to spring training, Topps Series 1 marks the beginning of a new baseball season. Over the years, it has introduced rookie cards of legendary players like Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Aaron Judge, and Adley Rutschman, catapulting these names into the collecting world’s spotlight. Join us as we unveil the top 2024 rookie cards, capturing the essence of a new era in collecting with a dash of that timeless baseball spirit.
Top 2024 Topps Series 1 RCs
2024 Topps Series 1 #232 Marco Luciano RC
Luciano signed a contract with the Giants worth $2.6 million at just 16. At 17, the well-rounded playmaker led the Arizona League in RBIs. Then, at 21, the Dominican shortstop made his MLB debut and flashed some of the tools that made him worth such a big contract at a young age, logging nine hits, including three doubles in 14 appearances. With more opportunities in the Bigs, Luciano has a chance to mature into one of the game’s better shortstops. Investing in his sports cards now wouldn’t be the worst decision.
2024 Topps Series 1 #76 Sal Frelick RC
Frelick, a former baseball, football, and hockey captain at Lexington High School in Massachusetts, went undrafted before embarking on his journey at Boston College, where he blossomed into a primetime prospect. During his junior year, Frelick showcased his skills by posting an impressive .359/.443/.559 slash line to go along with six home runs and stealing 13 bases in 48 games. He landed in Milwaukee as a first-round pick in 2021, made his Big League debut two years later, and looks to be a vital part of the Brewers’ future.
2024 Topps Series 1 #82 Curtis Mead RC
Mead’s road to the Bigs commenced in Australia, where he dazzled in the Australian Baseball League at 16 for his dad, Tim’s former team, the Adelaide Giants. His talent caught the eye of American scouts, and at 18, he signed a deal with the Phillies for $200,000. Eighteen months later, he was shipped to the Rays in exchange for reliever Cristopher Sánchez. After the cancellation of the 2020 season due to COVID-19, the infielder from Down Under roared back in 2021, boasting an impressive .321 batting average and an eye-popping .911 OPS over 104 games, spanning three different levels. His success in the Minors continued until he finally earned his ticket to the Majors last season and balled, posting a slash line of .294/.385/.515 in 61 games and even starting at second base in Games 1 and 2 of the Rays’ Wild Card series against the Rangers. In 2024, Mead should be a lock to make Tampa Bay’s Opening Day roster. The future looks exceptionally bright for this rising star.
2024 Topps Series 1 #166 Zack Gelof RC
When Gelof burst onto the scene in the second half of 2023, he injected a much-needed dose of excitement into an A’s fanbase that needed a reason to smile. At just 24 years old, the second baseman took the field for 69 games and posted a .267 batting average with 14 roundtrips and 14 stolen bases. If the stars align over an entire season, Gelof could be on the cusp of a 30/30 year. An A’s player has not done that since Jose Canseco posted a 40/40 campaign in 1988.
2024 Topps Series 1 #53 Nolan Schanuel RC
In 2023, Schanuel received an opportunity that comes once in 40 years. The Angels’ 2023 first-round draft pick found himself playing at Angels Stadium just 40 days into his Minor League career. At 21, this first baseman achieved the fastest major league promotion in four decades and was the first Angel to lead off in his Big League debut since Mike Colangelo did so in 1999. “I’ve dreamed about playing in the major leagues since I was four,” said the first baseman. “It’s been a goal of mine, a dream of mine, but I didn’t think it would be in 40 days.” A long and prosperous career should be in store for the young Schanuel. Collect now!
Bonus: 2024 Topps Series 1 #295 Henry Davis RC
We couldn’t leave Davis off of this list. He’s one of the more prominent up-and-coming names in the sport for great reason. The top pick in the 2021 MLB Draft made his Major League debut in 2023 and doubled in his first appearance. He also became the first player to hit two homers off Shohei Ohtani in the same game in a contest against the Angels on July 21. That feat alone tells the story of what kind of player Davis is. He’s going to be a problem for pitchers for a long time.
