Hidden Gem Baseball Cards to Invest in Before the 2025 MLB Season

• Posted: February 26, 2025, 12:55 pm
• in Sports Card News
• by bionic

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With Spring Training underway, now is the time to identify undervalued baseball cards that could see a surge in value as the 2025 MLB season unfolds. The right investments now could pay off big if these players take their game to the next level.

After reviewing the market, I’ve put together a list of four players whose cards are currently underpriced but hold serious upside potential for collectors and investors alike.

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Brandon Pfaadt – Arizona Diamondbacks​

Pfaadt’s stats don’t jump off the page, but don’t let that fool you—he’s a high-upside pitcher whose current card prices don’t match his potential.

Across 277.2 career innings, Pfaadt holds a 5.06 ERA, but his 2024 numbers tell a different story:

• 4.71 ERA, but with a much stronger 3.78 xERA and 3.61 FIP
• 9.04 K/9 and 2.2 BB/9, proving he can pound the zone while generating strikeouts

If Pfaadt can limit home runs, he could develop into a frontline starter. The best part? He’s not under pressure to be the ace, with Corbin Burnes, Zac Gallen, and Merrill Kelly ahead of him in the D-Backs’ rotation. His rookie cards are criminally cheap right now, making them a great long-term investment.

Cards to Watch:

• 2023 Topps Chrome – Rookie Card
• 2023 Topps Chrome Update – Rookie Card
• 2020 Bowman Draft – 1st Bowman Card

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Jared Jones – Pittsburgh Pirates​

The Pirates have an exciting young rotation, but Jared Jones is often overlooked—which means his cards are still undervalued.

Jones had an impressive 2024, with numbers suggesting even greater potential:

• 4.14 ERA (4.05 xERA), 4.00 FIP, 9.7 K/9, 2.88 BB/9
• Expanded his arsenal in Spring Training, adding a two-seamer to complement his already lethal fastball and slider

Right now, his Topps Chrome Rookie Auto /499 is selling for just $30, which is far too cheap for a young pitcher with top-tier stuff. If he stays healthy and refines his command, his cards could see a significant jump.

Cards to Watch:

• 2024 Topps Chrome – Rookie Card
• 2024 Topps Chrome Update Series – Rookie Card
• 2020 Bowman Draft – 1st Bowman Card

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Heston Kjerstad – Baltimore Orioles​

With the Orioles' farm system overflowing with talent, Heston Kjerstad has been overlooked—but that might not last much longer.

Despite limited MLB opportunities, Kjerstad has dominated in the minors, proving he has the batting skills to thrive at the highest level:

• 2024 (A+, AA, AAA): .303/.401/.584, 16 HR, 61 RBI, 51 R
• Elite contact skills and power potential, but stuck in a crowded Baltimore lineup

If he earns regular playing time—potentially as a DH option—his card values could skyrocket. Recent sales show a 2024 Bowman Chrome Rookie Gold Refractor Auto /50 PSA 10 selling for just $150, a steal for a player of his caliber.

Cards to Watch:

• 2024 Topps Chrome – Rookie Card
• 2024 Topps Chrome Update Series – Rookie Card
• 2020 Bowman Draft – 1st Bowman Card

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Kerry Carpenter – Detroit Tigers​

Carpenter is one of the most underrated power hitters in baseball. If he stays healthy, he has 30+ home run potential—yet his cards remain shockingly affordable.

Over 236 MLB games, he has already launched 44 home runs and driven in 131 RBI. Despite dealing with back issues in 2024, he still managed:

• 18 HR, 57 RBI in just 87 games
• Improvements in hard-hit rate, HR/FB ratio, and exit velocity

Now, hitting in the heart of Detroit’s lineup, he’ll have plenty of RBI opportunities with Gleyber Torres, Parker Meadows, and Riley Greene ahead of him. His rookie autos are undervalued, making them a smart buy before he puts together a full breakout season.

Cards to Watch:

• 2023 Topps Chrome – Rookie Card
• 2023 Topps Chrome Purple Auto /250 (recent sale: $49)
• 2023 Topps Chrome Aqua Wave Auto /199 PSA-graded (recent sale: $150)

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Final Thoughts: Invest Before the Market Catches On​

Every MLB season brings unexpected stars, and these four players have the potential to outperform expectations, leading to a rise in their card values. Right now, their cards are still affordable, making them great investment options before the hype builds.

If you’re looking to grow your collection or flip cards for a profit, these hidden gems could be your best bets for 2025. Act now before prices surge!