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The opening weeks of the 2025 MLB season shine a spotlight on a fresh class of rookies poised to energize both the diamond and the collecting community. Last year’s breakout talents—from Paul Skenes to Wyatt Langford—quickly fueled trading‑card fever. Now, a new wave of prospects is ready to make its mark, and their early issues are set to become coveted additions to any hobbyist’s portfolio.
Below, we’ve identified seven top contenders for Rookie of the Year honors and highlighted the essential cards to secure: a player’s 1st Bowman release (especially Chrome autographs), their flagship Topps rookie or Topps Pro Debut issue, plus an underrated, budget‑friendly alternative.
1st Bowman: 2023 Bowman Chrome Draft
Topps: 2024 Topps Pro Debut
Bargain Buy: 2020 Leaf Perfect Game National Showcase
A 2023 fourth‑round pick from Georgia Tech, Campbell exploded through three minor‑league levels, slashing .330/.439/.558 with 20 homers and 24 steals. His spring performance earned an eight‑year, $60 million extension and solidified his spot on Boston’s Opening Day roster. Early momentum and consistent production make his Bowman Chrome Draft autograph a rookie‑card staple.
1st Bowman: 2024 Bowman Chrome Prospects
Topps: 2025 Topps
Bargain Buy: 2018 Panini Stars & Stripes USA Baseball
Once the consensus top pick candidate in 2023, Crews dazzled at LSU (.426/.567/.713) before being selected No. 2 overall. After a learning curve in limited MLB action, his elite power‑speed combination promises breakout potential. Collectors of Strasburg, Harper and Soto have shown Nationals players can thrive in the hobby—Crews could be next.
1st Bowman: 2020 Bowman Chrome Prospects
Topps: 2024 Topps
Bargain Buy: 2024 Stadium Club
“The Martian” has been one of the hobby’s longest‑teased prospects. Nearly 20,000 of his Bowman Chrome Prospects base cards have been PSA‑graded, with over 10,000 earning Gem Mint 10. Now in pinstripes, Domínguez has the high‑profile platform to ignite his market—especially if he reaches his touted upside in 2025.
1st Card: 2020 BBM (NPB)
Topps: 2021 Topps NPB
Bargain Buy: 2023 Topps World Baseball Classic
Japan’s greatest pitching export since Nomo and Suzuki, Sasaki signed with the Dodgers over the offseason. His earliest cards are found in BBM and Topps NPB sets, while collectors await his first U.S. flagship issue. Even a slow adjustment in the big leagues won’t dampen demand for a talent of his caliber.
1st Bowman: 2023 Bowman Chrome Draft
Topps: 2024 Topps Pro Debut
Bargain Buy: 2024 Panini Prizm
An athletic college bat, Shaw posted a .284/.379/.488 line with 21 homers between Double‑A and Triple‑A. Securing third base for Chicago out of spring training, he joins a Cubs lineage of polished prospects. His Bowman Chrome Draft autograph is the go‑to early issue, with Prizm offering an affordable complement.
1st Bowman: 2024 Bowman Chrome Draft
Topps: —
Bargain Buy: 2024 Panini Prospect Edition #88 Cam Smith
A breakout sophomore at Florida State, Smith rocketed into the top 15 of the 2024 draft. Traded mid‑winter to Houston, he impressed enough in spring to crack the Opening Day roster. Without a Topps entry yet, Bowman Chrome remains his defining early release, while Panini Prospect Edition delivers solid value.
1st Bowman: 2023 Bowman Chrome Draft
Topps: 2025 Topps
Bargain Buy: 2024 Donruss
Son of longtime big leaguer Jack Wilson, Jacob dazzled at Grand Canyon University (.361 average) before going No. 6 overall in 2023. Now Oakland’s everyday shortstop, his combination of contact and power could drive collector interest despite the smaller market. His first Bowman Chrome autograph is already in strong demand.
Keep an eye on these rookies as they chase Rookie of the Year honors—and consider adding their signature early cards to your collection before values climb.
