Ah, springtime—the sweet aroma of freshly cut grass, the satisfying crack of the bat, and the hushed excitement of gathering baseball cards, those priceless little pieces of cardboard that can either make you rich or leave you scratching your head in pure bewilderment. We’re here to talk about a few sport’s under-the-radar stars whose baseball cards might currently cost you less than a fastball at a minor league game but could soon be the season’s ultimate grand slams.

Picture this: a dusty attic, a forgotten box, and among the crinkled newspaper and random 80s clutter, you strike gold—a Mickey Mantle rookie card! But since time machines are still science fiction and Mantle cards are now as elusive as a unicorn, we focus instead on modern players who aren’t yet commanding top dollar but could soon be lighting it up on both the field and the card market.

First up in our treasure hunt is Brandon Pfaadt, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ secret weapon-in-waiting. While his current 5.06 ERA might not make seasoned collectors swoon, dig a little deeper and you’ll see potential glistening beneath. With a 2024 performance that included a promising 3.78 xERA and enticing strikeout and walk numbers (9.04 K/9 and 2.2 BB/9), Pfaadt could transition from relief pitcher to starting rotation spellbinder faster than you can say ‘major league’. His rookie cards, priced as if they’re still exploring the idea of being valuable someday, offer a tantalizing long-term prospect for savvy investors, especially with Corbin Burnes and others drawing the focus away from what may be Pfaadt’s looming breakout year. Keep an eye, or better yet, two eyes on his 2023 Topps Chrome Rookie Cards.

Feeling inspired? Meet Jared Jones, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ stealthy addition to a youthful rotation. Jones’s 2024 season whispered sweet potential: a 4.14 ERA that far outshines his interim updates—think a handy 4.05 xERA—and a strikeout rate that suggests serious pitching chops paired with improved ball control. Rolling into the Spring Training with an expanded arsenal like he’s planning an ambush on batters, Jones is currently affordably boxed below his future value. His 2024 Topps Chrome Rookie Autos are practically giving themselves away, bearing resemblance to stocking an unopened oyster in hopes of a pearl jackpot.

From the mound to the batter’s box, the Baltimore Orioles’ Heston Kjerstad is a talent bubbling under the surface, overshadowed only by the tidal wave of brilliance in the Orioles’ farm system. His power stats in the minors are near mythical: a slash line reading like a seasoned pro at .303/.401/.584 with 16 home runs and a not-too-shabby 61 RBIs. One to keep in the back pocket as he could be the lineup’s secret ingredient with DH capabilities. His Bowman Chrome Rookie Gold Refractor Auto entices at basement bargain prices, suggesting a potentially lucrative upside for those ahead of the curve.

Last but hauntingly promising is Kerry Carpenter, a slugger for the Detroit Tigers whose power-hitting has yet to truly enthrall the card collectors. Over the last couple of seasons, Carpenter has spread terror among pitchers with his 44 home runs from just 236 MLB appearances. Even back issues in 2024 didn’t mark him; rather, he still swung true with 18 home runs in a partial season. If he can keep sending baseballs to the moon while staying healthy, his rookie autos, selling for less than premium cheddar, could soon fly off the shelves, full of pep and potential.

With every baseball season comes the pressure-filled excitement of unexpected stars and candid surprises, and these players, each armed with promising stats and unassuming prices, could be the unseen forces driving a dramatic surge in card valuations. As MLB clocks prepare to bat a new season in, set your own timer to snag these treasures before they catch the eye of the masses.

Who knows, maybe one day you’ll find your grandkids in the attic, credits in hand, marveling over your foresight—but only if you act before the baseball card market warms up to these hidden gems!

2025 Baseball Prospects To Invest In