In the dynamic world of baseball card collecting, grading trends serve as a window into the players who are capturing the hearts of collectors and investors alike. The year 2024 has been no exception, with standout rookies and top prospects making waves in the grading market.
Leading the pack among MLB rookies is Elly De La Cruz, whose popularity among collectors is clearly displayed in the total number of graded trading cards. By November 4, a staggering 93,194 cards of De La Cruz had been graded, solidifying him as the most sought-after rookie in the grading market. Not far behind were National League Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes and top prospect Jackson Holliday, showcasing the diverse talent captivating collectors’ attention.
According to data from Gemrate.com, analyzed by Baseball America, it was evident that De La Cruz was the star to chase in 2024. Gemrate founder Ryan Stuczynski noted, “Elly was the big chase in 2024, and his supply highlights that.” For comparison, even American League MVP Aaron Judge had 75,545 cards graded during the same period. However, it was National League MVP Shohei Ohtani who set the bar high, with an astounding 231,783 cards graded in the first 10 months of 2024, solidifying his position as the hobby’s most collectible player.
Ohtani’s grading activity was described by Stuczynski as unprecedented in the baseball card category, with a cumulative total of 740,000 graded cards, placing him second all-time behind the legendary Ken Griffey Jr. If only considering 2024 data, Ohtani would still rank an impressive 15th all-time in baseball card grading, a testament to his immense popularity.
Looking at the top prospects in graded cards for 2024, Jasson Dominguez led the list of Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects. Dylan Crews and Walker Jenkins followed closely behind, reflecting the growing interest in baseball’s emerging stars. The data emphasized the significant impact of hype on the baseball card market, as collectors eagerly seek out cards of rising prospects and standout rookies, driving grading activity.
The grading data is sourced from the major grading companies in the card-collecting industry, including PSA, BGS, ISA, SGC, and CGC. Each company’s involvement underscores the widespread influence of grading trends, which are influenced not only by player performance but also by collector sentiment and market dynamics.
Understanding grading trends is critical for collectors and investors, as they provide valuable insights into player popularity, market demand, and potential investment opportunities. Strong grading activity for rookies and prospects often correlates with heightened collector interest and increased card values. Players like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge reign supreme in the market, fueled by their star power and resulting in unparalleled grading activity.
As the baseball card market continues to evolve in 2024, collectors can look forward to these players making a lasting impact both on and off the field. Whether chasing after rookies like Elly De La Cruz or prospecting on future stars like Jasson Dominguez, staying informed about grading trends is essential for navigating the dynamic world of baseball card collecting.
