Top Playoff Rookie Cards to Collect
It’s time to celebrate, baseball fans, as we’re now in the thick of October – when mere men transform into legends, with their postseason heroics living through eternity. The playing days of legends like Reggie Jackson, Derek Jeter, and Kirk Gibson may be long gone, but don’t worry: a new breed of ballers has stepped up. As the 2023 postseason gets into full swing, it’s the prime time to spotlight those who are most likely to come through with the money on the line and their Rookie Cards. Check out our list of the best players in the Divisional Round by position and their must-have Rookie Cards.
Catcher
2023 Bowman Chrome® Adley Rutschman Orange Refractor Auto /25 RC
At just 25, Rutschman is already making a compelling case as arguably the best catcher in the Bigs. Solidifying his status as a rising star, the slugger not only finished second in the AL Rookie of the Year voting in 2022 but also elevated his game this season, amassing 80 RBIs—third among his position group—and securing his first All-Star nod all while acting as a pivotal catalyst in the Orioles capturing their first AL East title since 2014. His 2023 Bowman Chrome® Orange Refractor Auto /25 RC is a prime investment, being one of only 25, and he’s only scratching the surface of perennial All-Star potential. The Orioles may have gotten swept by the Rangers in the ALDS, but Rutschman and Baltimore’s stock is rising.
Designated Hitter
2012 Topps #661 Bryce Harper RC
Harper’s been battling injuries in the last two seasons, but that hasn’t impacted his postseason performance. When it’s time to cash in on the game’s biggest stages, few players bring more to the table than Harper. Let his four homers and seven RBIs in six 2023 postseason appearances serve as an example. When it’s repping time, Harper gets on an extra grind. Just ask the Braves.
First Base
2011 Topps Chrome #173 Freddie Freeman Auto RC
Current Braves first baseman Matt Olson, who led the Majors with 54 homers and 139 RBIs, could have effortlessly secured a spot on this list, and few would debate it. However, based on pedigree, we opted for former Atlanta star and now Los Angeles first baseman Freddie Freeman. The seven-time All-Star didn’t merely finish first in the NL in double with 59; he also claimed the third spot in batting average (.331), pivotal in propelling the Dodgers to 100 victories and the NL West title. The decision was tight, but Freeman’s seven All-Star appearances and an MVP award resonate loudly despite the Dodgers surprisingly getting swept in the NLDS.
Second Base
2011 Bowman Sterling #15 Jose Altuve RC
We’ve paired the greatest player in Houston history, Jose Altuve, with his most valuable autograph-less rookie card. These two are something special, mane—big shoutout to H-Tine and a true hard-hitter in Altuve. This two-time World Series winner and Astros’ leader in postseason hits (106), runs (79), homers (24), and stolen bases (eight) once again leads a squad full of dogs though on the ropes facing a 2-0 deficit against in-state rival Texas in the ALCS. Few things in sports are as intimidating as this 5-foot-6 menace locking eyes with your pitcher when the stakes are highest. Many hurlers would agree.
Shortstop
2016 Bowman Chrome #150 Corey Seager RC
When discussing Seager, remember to put ‘World Series MVP’ next to his name. The shortstop earned this accolade in 2020 with the Dodgers, and now, he’s got the chance to lead the Rangers to their first World Series title. The $325 million man opened the 2023 postseason with several big-boy performances, flexin’ like Dallas rapper Big X ThaPlug. He’s commanded seven walks, setting a postseason record with five in Game 1, during his first two clashes against the Orioles in the divisional round — and both were wins. Seager kept the momentum in Game 3 against Baltimore, smacking a first-inning homer and steering Texas to a 7-1 W, completing the sweep. And he’s still ballin’, registering hits in each game as the Boys from North Texas have taken a 2-0 lead over the Astros in the ALCS. If the Rangers bring a championship back to the DFW, Seager’s name will ring out forever, just like the metroplex’s other top dogs – shoutout to Dirk Nowitzki and the triplets – Emmitt Smith, Troy Aikman, and Michael Irvin.
