In the exhilarating world of baseball card collecting, the grading trends are not just numbers—they are a reflection of the players capturing the hearts of collectors worldwide. As we delve into the first 10 months of 2024, the spotlight shines brightly on Elly De La Cruz, who has emerged as the unrivaled leader among MLB rookies in the total number of graded trading cards. His soaring popularity among collectors is undeniable, with a staggering 93,194 cards graded by November 4, making him the most coveted rookie in the grading landscape. In comparison, even the American League MVP Aaron Judge trailed behind with 75,545 cards graded during the same period.
However, not far behind, we find the National League Rookie of the Year, Paul Skenes, and the top prospect, Jackson Holliday, making waves in the grading scene according to data from Gemrate.com, meticulously analyzed by Baseball America.
Grading Highlights of 2024 illuminate the stars and their commanding presence in the collector’s market. Gemrate founder Ryan Stuczynski remarked, “Elly was the big chase in 2024, and his supply highlights that.” Meanwhile, the National League MVP Shohei Ohtani, sets a monumental standard with an extraordinary 231,783 cards graded within the first 10 months of 2024, solidifying his standing as the most sought-after player in the hobby. Astoundingly, Ohtani’s cumulative total of 740,000 graded cards positions him as the second all-time leader, just behind Ken Griffey Jr. If we only consider the data from 2024, Ohtani would still rank an impressive 15th all-time in baseball card grading history.
Among the fervently anticipated young talents in the sport, Jasson Dominguez claims the top spot in Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects with the highest number of graded cards for 2024. The likes of Dylan Crews and Walker Jenkins follow closely, embodying the growing interest surrounding baseball’s future sensations.
The data also sheds light on the influence of hype on the baseball card market. As budding prospects ascend and rookies dazzle with remarkable performances, collectors flock to secure their cards, propelling the grading frenzy.
The foundation of the grading data is drawn from the four major grading entities shaping the card-collecting domain: PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), BGS (Beckett Grading Services), ISA (International Sports Authentication), SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation), and CGC (Certified Guaranty Company). Each company’s involvement underscores the expansive reach of grading trends across the hobby, encapsulating not just player achievements but also the sentiments of collectors.
Why do Grading Trends Matter? The numeric values offer crucial insights into player prominence, market demands, and potential investment prospects. For rookies and prospects, elevated grading activity often translates into heightened collector intrigue and appreciating card values. At the same time, luminaries like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge cast a remarkable spell on the market with their star power, setting new bars of engagement.
For ardent collectors, comprehending grading trends is the compass to navigate the market terrain, be it pursuing rookies like De La Cruz or speculating on future luminaries such as Dominguez. Empowered with such data, collectors gain a better understanding of which players hold the promise of becoming the next beloved icons in the hobby.
Let’s remain captivated as the baseball card market fabricates new narratives in 2024, with these players continuously making ripples both on and off the prestigious field.
