It’s an exciting time of year with Opening Day right around the corner. And that means card collectors will be searching and hunting for the top MLB rookies of 2024. There are several first-year player cards to collect in 2024 Topps, but which ones are the best? To help out, HobbyListings has compiled a list of the best rookies you want from 2024 Topps products.
The List: Best Rookies In 2024 Topps Products
1. Elly De La Cruz: Infielder, Cincinnati Reds
Elly De La Cruz took the game by storm when he got called up during the 2023 season, tantalizing fans with his incredible speed and power, knocking 13 home runs in 98 games. His rookie cards will be a must-have for any collector.
2. Evan Carter: Outfielder, Texas Rangers
Evan Carter hit .300 over 17 postseason games, helping the Texas Rangers win their first ever World Series championship. The sky is the limit for this future superstar.
3. Yoshinobu Yamamoto: Pitcher, Los Angeles Dodgers
Yoshinobu Yamamoto repping that Dodger blue. #SpringTraining pic.twitter.com/LoIGFxd24X
— MLB (@MLB) February 28, 2024
The prized pitcher on the free agent market, Yoshinobu Yamamoto signed a 12-year, $325 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 25-year-old right-hander was one of the best pitchers in Japan, winning the pitching Triple Crown in Nippon Professional Baseball, leading the league in wins, earned run average and strikeouts. While he does not have cards in 2024 Topps Series 1, he will have League Inauguration Autographs and Rookie Short Print Variations in 2024 Topps Tribute.
4. Jasson Dominguez: Outfielder, New York Yankees
Jasson Dominguez, known as “The Martian,” became one of the top prospects in baseball after the New York Yankees signed him in 2019. Dominguez debuted for the Yanks last season, hitting four home runs in eight games before having to undergo Tommy John surgery. He’s expected to return to the lineup sometime this summer.
5. Colton Cowser: Outfielder, Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles continue churning out top prospects. First, it was Adley Rutschman. Then, it was Gunnar Henderson. And now, it’s Colton Cowser’s time. Cowser made his MLB debut in 2023, playing in 26 games. The Orioles’ No. 3 prospect has been crushing it this spring, hitting five home runs so far as of March 15.
6. Christian Encarnacion-Strand: First Baseman, Cincinnati Reds
Elly isn’t the only Reds rookie to chase this season. Christian Encarnacion-Strand smacked 13 home runs in 63 games last season, with an .805 OPS. He has big shoes to fill after the Reds did not bring back future Hall of Famer Joey Votto.
7. Jung Hoo Lee: Outfielder, San Francisco Giants
Lee Junghoo vs Ohtani Shohei pic.twitter.com/L5Us1qBWXv
— jung park (@dryeggroll) March 12, 2024
The Giants made a major splash during free agency, signing Korean outfielder Jung Hoo Lee to a six-year, $113 million contract. Over seven seasons in the KBO, Lee hit .340 with 65 home runs and an .898 OPS. Some have deemed this signing a risk, so there might be some volatility with his rookie cards. He’s not in 2024 Topps Series 1, but he does have Rookie Short Print Variation cards in 2024 Topps Tribute.
8. Junior Caminero: Infielder, Tampa Bay Rays
Despite starting the 2024 season in Triple-A, Junior Caminero is still a top rookie to collect. One of the best prospects in baseball, Caminero made his MLB debut at the age of 20 last season. He’s expected be a stud for years to come. Even though he doesn’t have base cards in 2024 Topps Series 1, he does have autographs and silver pack cards.
9. Zack Gelof: Infielder, Oakland Athletics
It’s a tough time being an Oakland Athletics fan as the franchise plans to move to Las Vegas. Even though the A’s have been mediocre for years, they do have a bright spot in Zack Gelof. The budding star smacked 14 home runs in 69 games after getting called up last season. Gelof is a potential All-Star for years to come.
10. Jordan Lawlar: Shortstop, Arizona Diamondbacks
One of the best prospects in baseball, Lawlar made his debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks late last season, and was on the World Series roster. He will be starting the season in Triple-A, but that shouldn’t stop collectors from scooping up his rookie cards as he will be back in the big leagues in no time. Lawlar doesn’t have base cards in 2024 Topps Series 1, but does have autographs, inserts and silver pack cards.
11. Henry Davis: Outfielder & Catcher, Pittsburgh Pirates
Drafted first overall in the 2021 MLB Draft, Henry Davis is ready to make his mark with the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 62 games last season, Davis hit seven home runs. He should be a major contributor for years to come.
12. Nolan Schanuel: First Baseman, Los Angeles Angels
The Los Angeles Angels fast-tracked Nolan Schanuel to the big leagues after selecting him 11th-overall in the 2023 MLB Draft. Schanuel played in 29 games last season but is expected to be a regular starter in 2024. The Angels are counting on him after losing MVP Shohei Ohtani to the Dodgers in free agency.
13. Pete Crow-Armstrong: Outfielder, Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs’ top prospect will open up the season in Triple-A to get him more playing time. But don’t be surprised if you see Pete Crow-Armstrong in the bigs at some point this season. Collectors should be gobbling up cards of the 21-year-old.
Are there other rookies you’re collecting this year? Let HobbyListings know in the comments below!