It is no secret that sports memorabilia has risen in recent years, and baseball is no exception. Baseball cards, like a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card, have a long history of being scarce and expensive.
The trick for collectors is to spot the up-and-comers before they become a known commodity in the league.
Top MLB Pitching Prospects to Consider
Many pitching prospects are already turning heads for the 2024 baseball season, but here are the top five to look out for and add to your collection as soon as possible.
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The pitcher’s best prospect/rookie card is listed and will be discussed in the write-up. Please email any questions to [email protected]
1. Paul Skenes RHP Pirates – 2023 Bowman Draft Chrome Paul Skenes 1st Chrome Refractor BDC-14
Paul Skenes was raised in Orange County, California, competing at El Toro High School, where he started at the varsity level for three years. After high school, he began his collegiate career with the Air Force Falcons, where he was both a dominant pitcher and, more impressively, a star catcher. His performance even helped him earn the 2022 John Olerud Award, the nation’s top two-way player.
His performance for the Falcons transferred when he went on to compete for the LSU Tigers as a star pitcher. While at LSU, Skenes won a College World Series Title, even earning the Most Outstanding Player in the tournament. After his collegiate career, the Pittsburgh Pirates selected Skenes as the number one overall draft in 2023.
Top Card: 2023 Bowman Draft Chrome Paul Skenes 1st Chrome Refractor BDC-14:
Arguably, one of the most sought-after and valuable cards to obtain for Paul Skenes is the 2023 Bowman Draft Chrome Paul Skenes 1st Chrome Refractor BDC-14. This card is a part of the Bowman Draft Chrome series, one of the most popular series for collectors to invest their money in. This card has a unique sparkle refractor design, which varies from the base card. The card is somewhat difficult to obtain, as it is numbered up to 200.
2. Andrew Painter RHP Philadelphia Phillies – 2021 Andrew Painter 1st Bowman Chrome Refractor #BDC-10
Andrew Painter grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and even committed to the University of Florida in his freshman year. Painter had an impressive high school career, even competing for the 15U National Team in Panama, was named to the All-World team, and competed in the Under Armour All-American Baseball game. Painter’s career was so impressive that he was selected 13th overall by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2021 draft, skipping his collegiate career.
Top Card: 2021 Andrew Painter 1st Bowman Chrome Refractors #BDC-10
Despite being an older card on this list, collectors still can collect one of Painter’s most valuable cards on the market: 2021 Andrew Painter 1st Bowman Chrome Refractors #BDC-10. This card has a Refractor design added to the base level and is numbered up to 499. This specific card has a few different Refractor parallels: Sparkle Refractor, Speckle Refractor, and the Black & White RayWave Refractor.
3. Grayson Rodriguez RHP Baltimore Orioles – 2023 Topps Chrome Grayson Refractor Auto #RAGR
Grayson Rodriguez was born and raised in Nacogdoches, Texas, where he attended Central Heights High School. Rodriguez had an impressive career in high school. He posted a 14-1 record with a 0.38 ERA, even leading his team to the 3A state title. Despite committing to Texas A&M University, Grayson was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2018 draft.
Top Card: 2023 Topps Chrome Grayson Refractor Auto #RAGR
Today’s top card for Grayson Rodriguez is the 2023 Topps Chrome Grayson Refractor Auto #RAGR. This specific card offers a refractor design and is numbered 499. In addition to the refractor design, the card also includes an autograph of Grayson.
4. Eury Perez RHP Miami Marlins – 2023 Eury Perez Topps Chrome Update Auto RC #RA-EP
As a Dominican professional baseball player, Perez is an exciting prospect who signed as a free agent with the Miami Marlins in 2019. Eury officially debuted in Single-A baseball in 2021 and split between single-A and double-A in 2022. During his time in 2022, he was named the Marlins’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year and would start the 2023 season on the Marlins Triple-A team. Perez officially made his major league debut for Miami in 2023 against the Cincinnati Reds.
Top Card: 2023 Eury Perez Topps Chrome Update Auto RC #RA-EP
One of Eury’s top cards currently on the market is the 2023 Eury Perez Topps Chrome Update Auto RC #RA-EP. This card, in particular, has an autograph from Eury and is his rookie card. While this specific card is a part of the 2023 Topps Chrome Update series, it shares similar characteristics to the
Bowman Draft Chrome series. These series are mostly known for the Refractor parallels and autographed cards.
5. Ricky Tiedemann LHP Toronto Blue Jays – 2021 Ricky Tiedemann Bowman Chrome 1st Refractor #BDC-89
Ricky Tiedemann was born in Long Beach, California, where he played for Lakewood High School. He was drafted in the third round of the MLB draft in 2021 by the Toronto Blue Jays. Ricky dominated his high school and short collegiate career at Golden West JC. Ricky continued to dominate for Toronto as he won the Arizona Fall League Pitcher of the Year award in 2023.
Top Card: 2021 Ricky Tiedemann Bowman Chrome 1st Refractor #BDC-89
If you want a promising young pitcher to add to your collection, the 2021 Ricky Tiedemann Bowman Chrome 1st Refractor #BDC-89 is an excellent option. This card implements a Refractor design and is numbered 499. The card is a part of the 2021 Bowman Draft Chrome series. This series is known for focusing on Minor League and recently drafted players.
Bottom Line
Overall, each player on this list had an astounding career throughout their high school and collegiate careers. Their impressive stats have earned them a reputation and the ability to have a dominating and excellent career.
If a serious collector is looking for the next top pitcher, any one of the five on this list would be an excellent option. Grayson Rodriguez and Paul Skenes are both strong candidates with MLB experience. Each card on this list is highly sought after, has limited availability, and has excellent value already.