Spring training is the golden time for die-hard baseball fans, and also a thrilling prospect for collectors on the lookout for the next big investment in baseball cards. There’s no denying the electrifying rush of watching players step up to the plate, with the hope that beneath those colorful jerseys lies the potential for stardom—and subsequently, a robust return on investment for aficionados. As spring training buzzes away, card enthusiasts and investors alike lean into this speculative frenzy, honing in on the cardboard treasures that might be the perfect addition to their collection or a stepping stone to substantial profit in the 2025 season.
After digging deep into the market, a few overlooked but promising names have been identified. These players carry the torch of possibility, and while their stats might not currently cause a stir at your local card show, their future performances hold promise of skyrocketing card value. Let’s dig into the potential goldmine of four under-the-radar players whose cards are a must-watch—it could be akin to finding the baseball card version of buried treasure.
First up, we have Brandon Pfaadt from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Now, I know what you’re thinking: how can a pitcher with a career ERA north of 5.00 be attractive for investment? Sure, at first glance, Pfaadt’s 5.06 ERA over 277.2 career innings might not make you rush to the card auction. But here’s the kicker—his 2024 performance whispered a different story. With a 4.71 ERA that doesn’t quite shine, his underlying stats—3.78 xERA and 3.61 FIP—spell out unpolished gem. His ability to rack up strikeouts (9.04 K/9) while maintaining a low walk rate (2.2 BB/9) shows promising command on the mound. The ace crown doesn’t weigh heavy on him either, with stalwarts like Corbin Burnes, Zac Gallen, and Merrill Kelly leading the charge. His cards, including the 2023 Topps Chrome and 2020 Bowman Draft, are surprisingly affordable. They present a speculative opportunity reminiscent of buying a Tesoro El Cazador bond just before the galleon fleets are about to sail.
Then we move to Jared Jones of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite what could best be described as a neglected young rotation, Jones stands poised and ready to fire on all cylinders. The Pirates might not draw eyes like the LA Dodgers, but Jones’ numbers suggest hidden but imminent excellence: a respectable 4.14 ERA (4.05 xERA) paired with a 9.7 K/9. He’s added a vicious two-seamer to his arsenal, making his fastball even more lethal than before. Now, here’s the jaw-dropper: his Topps Chrome Rookie Auto /499 fetched a mere $30 recently—a scandalous bargain for someone with so much future potential to exploit. Jones’ cards, such as the 2024 Topps Chrome Series, could very quickly multiply in value, making them a collector’s dream before his Strikeout Tango hits the mainstream.
Next, we turn our eyes to Baltimore’s Heston Kjerstad—a name that might not currently sizzle in everyone’s ears but should. Baltimore’s farm system is spilling over with talent, yet somehow Kjerstad remains the under-loved stepchild of potential MLB stardom. He quietly impressed with a .303/.401/.584 slash line across different minor league levels last year, including 16 homers and 61 RBIs—numbers that simply should not be whispering; they should be serenading! Languishing in a talent-stuffed Orioles lineup is his present plight but also his charm. With any regular lineup gig, his card values could shoot through the Camden Yards roof. The 2024 Bowman Chrome Rookie Gold Refractor Auto, recently priced at just $150, shrieks “steal” louder than a midday heist alarm.
Last, but very much not least, is Kerry Carpenter of Detroit Tigers fame—or perhaps, soon to be fame. Carpenter might be the most underrated of power hitters, yet somehow his card prices fail to echo his potential of smashing over 30 homers a season. With 44 over 236 games, Carpenter has already shown glimpses of this, and there’s a tantalizing scent of future awe in the air. Despite battling back issues in 2024, his numbers told tales of resilience: 18 homers in just 87 contests while sharpening his hard-hit rate and exit velocity to a point that would make even a Samurai swordsmith blush. Hitting cleanup behind Torres and Green makes his rookie autos a tantalizing investment before he drops jaws and balls over fences in a fully-fledged breakout year.
The thrill of seeking out hidden gems in the baseball card universe is akin to gambling for future nostalgia. Every MLB season brews its surprises, and these four players stand with one foot on potential, the other ready to spring into heightened valuation. For those ready to toss their financial chips into the baseball card ring, these could be prudent, if not game-changing, bets to make. Get on base with these cards now, before the imminent price sprint leaves them playing in the big leagues while the market catches its breath.
