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With Spring Training in full swing, now is the perfect time to explore the baseball card market and grab some hidden gems before the 2025 MLB season kicks off. Some undervalued players could see their card values skyrocket if they perform well this year, making them prime investment opportunities.
After diving into the market, here are four players whose cards are currently undervalued but have strong potential upside for collectors and investors alike.
Pfaadt’s cards are dirt cheap heading into 2025, but his potential suggests they may not stay that way for long. His surface stats don’t pop, with a 5.06 career ERA over 277.2 innings, but the underlying numbers tell a different story.
In 2024, he posted a 4.71 ERA, but advanced metrics like 3.78 xERA and 3.61 FIP suggest he pitched better than the results showed. He also averaged over one strikeout per inning, showcasing the dominant command he displayed throughout his minor league career.
With Corbin Burnes, Zac Gallen, and Merrill Kelly headlining the D-Backs’ rotation, Pfaadt doesn’t need to be the ace, which could take the pressure off and help him thrive. If he cuts down on home runs and continues refining his command, his current card prices will look like a steal.
Cards to Target:
When thinking about Pirates prospects, Jones isn’t the first name that comes to mind—and that’s exactly why he’s a great buy-low opportunity.
Jones had a solid rookie campaign in 2024, posting a 4.14 ERA (4.05 xERA), 4.00 FIP, 9.7 K/9, and 2.88 BB/9. His injury issues late in the year slowed down his progress, but now that he’s healthy entering Spring Training, he’s experimenting with a new two-seam fastball to add to his already electric arsenal.
Right now, his cards are way too cheap for a pitcher with this much upside. His Topps Chrome Rookie Auto /499 recently sold for just $30, making him a high-reward, low-risk investment.
Cards to Target:
Baltimore has been stacked with elite prospects, and because of that, Heston Kjerstad has flown under the radar. Though he’s had two brief MLB stints, he hasn’t had a true chance to showcase his full potential.
That could change in 2025. While the Orioles’ outfield is crowded with Tyler O’Neill, Cedric Mullins, and Colton Cowser, Kjerstad could carve out a role at DH.
His minor league numbers are elite, proving he can hit for both average and power:
His rookie cards are incredibly undervalued, with a 2024 Bowman Chrome Rookie Gold Refractor Auto /50 PSA 10 selling for just $150. That’s a steal if he finally breaks out at the MLB level.
Cards to Target:
If Kerry Carpenter stays healthy, he could be one of the most underrated power hitters in baseball. In just 236 MLB games, he’s launched 44 home runs and driven in 131 RBI—and that’s despite dealing with back injuries in 2024.
Even in an injury-shortened season (87 games), he still hit 18 home runs and drove in 57 runs. His hard-hit rate, HR/FB ratio, and exit velocity all trended upward last year, which signals that he’s improving.
Now, hitting in the middle of the Tigers’ lineup, he’ll have plenty of RBI opportunities with guys like Gleyber Torres, Parker Meadows, and Riley Greene setting the table. His cards remain affordable, making them a great long-term investment.
Cards to Target:
The MLB season always brings surprises, and these four players have the potential to outperform expectations, leading to a spike in their card values. Right now, their cards are affordable, making them excellent investment opportunities before prices rise.
If you’re looking to build your collection or flip cards for a profit, these undervalued players could be your best bets heading into the 2025 season. Act fast before the hype catches up!
