In a world that loves a good underdog story, baseball cards have become the new backstage pass to both nostalgia and investment treasures. If you’ve ever dreamt of discovering a hidden gem while also gaining a potential monetary windfall, you might want to cast your eyes towards the undervalued baseball cards market. With Spring Training in full swing, now is the opportune moment to secure and start collecting cards that many may overlook, but are brimming with explosive potential. With the 2025 MLB season glittering on the horizon like a rookie sensation, there’s no better time to begin your treasure hunt.
Brace yourselves as we delve into this fantastical league of budding stars where baseball stats meet financial strategy. After scouring the market with the fervor of a scout on the hunt for the next big thing, I’ve deduced that there exists a quartet of players whose cards are not just undervalued—they are bottom-of-the-9th, bases-loaded, grand slam kind of opportunities.
**Brandon Pfaadt – Arizona Diamondbacks**
First up to the plate is Brandon Pfaadt of the Arizona Diamondbacks, the pitcher whose stats whisper “potential” more than they shout “legendary”—yet therein lies the secret to savvy investing. With an underwhelming ERA of 5.06 across his career’s 277.2 innings, one might overlook him, but his 2024 numbers paint a more tantalizing tale. With a 4.71 ERA yet boasting a commendable 3.78 xERA and 3.61 FIP, alongside 9.04 K/9 with just 2.2 BB/9, Pfaadt is a pitcher who could blossom under the right conditions. He’s overshadowed by the formidable trio of Corbin Burnes, Zac Gallen, and Merrill Kelly in Arizona’s lineup, which could be his blessing in disguise. Free from the pressures of being the star pitcher, Pfaadt’s rookie cards are priced like a postgame hot dog but could someday sell like filet mignon, a savory opportunity for any collector with an eye for the future.
Cards to Watch:
– 2023 Topps Chrome – Rookie Card
– 2023 Topps Chrome Update – Rookie Card
– 2020 Bowman Draft – 1st Bowman Card
**Jared Jones – Pittsburgh Pirates**
Next in our lineup, Jared Jones of the Pittsburgh Pirates—a talent that seems to be hiding in plain sight. Within his team’s exciting young rotation, he’s the player who metaphorically drops the mic after every pitch. His 2024 season—complete with a 4.14 ERA, a 4.05 xERA, and a 4.00 FIP—showcases a promise that goes beyond the surface numbers. His armamentarium expanded during Spring Training with a newly-minted two-seamer to bolster his blazing fastball and perilous slider. His Topps Chrome Rookie Auto /499 is priced at a mere $30 right now. A bargain, and if Lady Luck is on his side—which she tends to be with those bold in investment—prepare to witness a meteoric rise in value.
Cards to Watch:
– 2024 Topps Chrome – Rookie Card
– 2024 Topps Chrome Update Series – Rookie Card
– 2020 Bowman Draft – 1st Bowman Card
**Heston Kjerstad – Baltimore Orioles**
Entering the batter’s box is Heston Kjerstad of the Baltimore Orioles, a player often overshadowed in what seems like an exclusive club of Baltimore’s talent-laden farm system. Despite his modest MLB appearances, he’s been turning heads down in the minors, swinging with an ethereal combination of grace and ferocity. His 2024 stats across A+, AA, and AAA feature a formidable .303/.401/.584 line with 16 home runs. Potentially typecast as a future DH, this guy’s contact skills and power are likely to cause his card value to explode, much like a home run over the center-field wall. Watch out for his 2024 Bowman Chrome Rookie — Gold Refractor Auto /50 PSA 10, recently selling for just $150; it’s as much an investment opportunity as it is a steal.
Cards to Watch:
– 2024 Topps Chrome – Rookie Card
– 2024 Topps Chrome Update Series – Rookie Card
– 2020 Bowman Draft – 1st Bowman Card
**Kerry Carpenter – Detroit Tigers**
Finally, we present Kerry Carpenter of the Detroit Tigers, a player epitomizing the phrase ‘diamond in the rough.’ Despite maybe needing a chiropractor by season’s end, he issues thunderous applause with his bat, racking up 44 home runs over a mere 236 games. Even with back issues reining him in during 2024, he boasted 18 home runs in just 87 appearances. Placed smack dab in the middle of Detroit’s batting lineup—a slot prime for compiling RBIs—someone’s going to be kicking themselves for passing on Carpenter’s rookie autos.
Cards to Watch:
– 2023 Topps Chrome – Rookie Card
– 2023 Topps Chrome Purple Auto /250 (recent sale: $49)
– 2023 Topps Chrome Aqua Wave Auto /199 PSA-graded (recent sale: $150)
Every MLB season, like a well-loved soap opera, serves up unexpected plot twists, rewarding those who spot the stars waiting to shine. For collectors ready to ride the rollercoaster of the card market, this band of four could very well be the unsung heroes of your investment narrative. Before the 2025 season takes the field with a crescendo, grab these cards like limited-edition concert tickets—because once the show starts, everyone will want a piece of the action.
