In the captivating realm of baseball card collecting, the grading trends provide more than just a glimpse into market activities – they serve as a window into the players capturing the most attention. As we journey through the first 10 months of 2024, one name rises above all, Elly De La Cruz, establishing himself as the undeniable leader among MLB rookies in the total count of graded trading cards, a true testament to his immense popularity among collectors.
Hot on De La Cruz’s heels are none other than National League Rookie of the Year, Paul Skenes, and the highly acclaimed top prospect, Jackson Holliday, as shown by data from Gemrate.com skillfully analyzed by Baseball America.
Grading Highlights of the Year
“Elly was the big chase in 2024, and his supply highlights that,” affirmed Gemrate founder, Ryan Stuczynski. De La Cruz soared with 93,194 cards graded by November 4, solidifying his position as the most sought-after rookie in the grading market. To put it into perspective, even American League MVP Aaron Judge’s tally of 75,545 graded cards over the same span paled in comparison.
Nevertheless, it was National League MVP Shohei Ohtani who truly set the bar high. Ohtani’s staggering 231,783 graded cards in the initial 10 months of 2024 cemented his status as the most collectible player in the hobby.
The grading frenzy around Ohtani left Stuczynski astounded, “Grading activity for Ohtani is unlike anything we’ve seen in the baseball category.” Ohtani’s cumulative count of 740,000 graded cards positions him second in history, trailing only Ken Griffey Jr. Astoundingly, if solely considering data from 2024, Ohtani would still secure the 15th spot all-time in baseball card grading.
Top Prospects on the Rise
Jasson Dominguez, one of the most thrilling young talents in the game, topped Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects in the total number of graded cards for 2024. Following closely were Dylan Crews and Walker Jenkins, reflecting the emerging enthusiasm surrounding baseball’s future stars.
The data underscores the critical role of buzz in the baseball card market. As fresh prospects ascend and rookies dazzle with remarkable performances, collectors flock to snatch up their cards, propelling grading activities.
Understanding the Data Sources
The grading data is amalgamated from the four leading grading companies in the card-collecting industry:
1. PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)
2. BGS (Beckett Grading Services)
3. ISA (International Sports Authentication)
4. SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation)
5. CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)
The participation of each company accentuates the extensive impact of grading trends across the hobby, reflecting not only player achievements but also collector sentiment.
Significance of Grading Trends
The grading figures offer crucial insights into player popularity, market demand, and potential investment prospects. For rookies and prospects, robust grading activity often correlates with heightened collector interest and escalating card values. Meanwhile, towering figures like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge reign over the market with their magnetic appeal, driving unparalleled activity.
For collectors, comprehending the grading trends is pivotal to navigating the market, whether pursuing rookies like De La Cruz or venturing into the realm of future stars like Dominguez. Backed by such data, collectors gain the edge to forecast which players might emerge as the next colossal hobby icons.
As we await the evolution of the baseball card market in 2024, these players are set to continue making waves, both on the diamond and in the hearts of collectors. Stay tuned for the unfolding saga of these stars shaping the vibrant world of baseball card collecting.
