In the exciting and dynamic world of baseball card collecting, the trends in grading reveal more than just market activity. They offer a fascinating insight into the players who are capturing the most attention and driving the hobby forward. As we dive into the first 10 months of 2024, one name emerges as the undisputed leader among MLB rookies in the total number of graded trading cards – Elly De La Cruz.
According to data from Gemrate.com, analyzed by Baseball America, Elly De La Cruz has taken the collecting world by storm. With an impressive 93,194 cards graded by November 4, he has solidified his position as the most sought-after rookie in the grading market. Following closely behind are National League Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes and top prospect Jackson Holliday, showcasing their growing popularity among collectors.
Founder of Gemrate, Ryan Stuczynski, highlighted De La Cruz as the big chase of 2024, emphasizing the immense supply of his graded cards. In comparison, American League MVP Aaron Judge had 75,545 cards graded over the same period, showing the significant demand for these up-and-coming players.
However, it was National League MVP Shohei Ohtani who set the gold standard in grading. With an astonishing 231,783 cards graded in the first 10 months of 2024 alone, Ohtani has cemented his status as the hobby’s most collectible player. Stuczynski noted that Ohtani’s grading activity is unparalleled, with a cumulative total of 740,000 graded cards, second only to Ken Griffey Jr. in the all-time rankings. Even when considering just the data from 2024, Ohtani would still rank an impressive 15th all-time in baseball card grading.
Turning our attention to the top prospects in graded cards for 2024, Jasson Dominguez leads the way among Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects. Dylan Crews and Walker Jenkins follow closely behind, reflecting the growing interest in baseball’s future stars. The data reinforces the impact of hype on the baseball card market as collectors eagerly anticipate the next breakout star.
The grading data is collected from the major grading companies in the card-collecting industry, including PSA, BGS, ISA, SGC, and CGC. Their involvement highlights the widespread reach of grading trends, showcasing the significance of player performance and collector sentiment in shaping the market.
Understanding these grading trends is crucial for collectors as they navigate the market, whether they are pursuing rookies like De La Cruz or prospecting on future stars like Dominguez. Strong grading activity often translates into heightened collector interest and rising card values, making it essential for collectors to stay informed and make strategic decisions.
As we look ahead to the rest of 2024, these players will continue to make waves both on and off the field, shaping the evolving landscape of the baseball card market. Stay tuned for more excitement and surprises as the year progresses.
