In the realm of baseball card collecting, the art of grading transcends mere market activity. It unveils the players who have successfully captivated the attention of collectors worldwide. Through an analysis of data from Gemrate.com by Baseball America, the first 10 months of 2024 showcased Elly De La Cruz as the reigning leader among MLB rookies in terms of the total number of graded trading cards, underscoring his immense popularity within the collecting community.
Hot on his trail were National League Rookie of the Year, Paul Skenes, and top prospect, Jackson Holliday, solidifying their presence in the grading realm and hinting at potential future successes within the baseball world.
Rising Stars and Established Icons
“Elly was the big chase in 2024, and his supply highlights that,” noted Ryan Stuczynski, the founder of Gemrate. By November 4, De La Cruz had an impressive 93,194 cards graded, positioning him as the most sought-after rookie in the grading market. For comparison, even American League MVP Aaron Judge trailed slightly behind, with 75,545 cards graded during the same timeframe.
However, it was National League MVP Shohei Ohtani who truly set the benchmark. Ohtani’s outstanding performance led to a staggering 231,783 cards graded in the first 10 months of 2024 alone, solidifying his position as the most collectible player in the hobby.
Grading Phenomenon
“The grading activity for Ohtani is unlike anything we’ve seen in the baseball category,” Stuczynski exclaimed. Ohtani’s cumulative total of 740,000 graded cards places him second all-time, just behind Ken Griffey Jr. Notably, Ohtani’s 2024 data alone would secure him the 15th position all-time in baseball card grading, cementing his status as a modern icon in the collecting world.
Top Prospects Take the Stage
Among the most promising young talents gracing the baseball scene, Jasson Dominguez claimed the top spot on Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects list for 2024 in terms of total graded cards. Following closely were Dylan Crews and Walker Jenkins, amplifying the growing interest in baseball’s future stars and the fervor surrounding their collectible cards.
The Impact of Hype
The data paints a vivid picture of how hype influences the baseball card market. As new prospects emerge and rookies dazzle with standout performances, collectors flock to acquire their cards, igniting a surge in grading activity and reflecting the evolving landscape of player popularity within the hobby.
The Grading Landscape
The compilation of grading data from key industry players such as PSA, BGS, ISA, SGC, and CGC underscores the expansive reach of grading trends within the collecting hobby. These figures not only mirror player performance but also encapsulate the sentiments and preferences of collectors that shape the market dynamics.
Why It Matters
Grading trends are not mere numbers; they serve as invaluable insights into player popularity, market demand, and potential investment opportunities. For rookies and prospects, robust grading activity often translates into heightened collector interest and appreciating card values. Superstars like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge continue to dominate the market with their undeniable charisma, driving unparalleled activity and enthusiasm in the collecting world.
Navigating the Market
Understanding grading trends is the compass that guides collectors through the ever-evolving market landscape. Whether chasing after rookies like De La Cruz or prospecting on future stars like Dominguez, being in tune with such data enables collectors to forecast who may ascend to become the next big icons of the hobby.
As we venture further into 2024, the baseball card market will undoubtedly witness these players making significant waves both on and off the field, continuing to weave their narratives through the art of collecting and grading.
