2025 MLB Rookie of the Year Contenders: Essential Cards to Watch

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As another MLB season kicks off, a fresh wave of talent is poised to capture the attention of both baseball fans and card collectors. Last year’s breakout rookies—Paul Skenes, Jackson Merrill, Jackson Chourio and Wyatt Langford—skyrocketed in value almost overnight. This spring, a new class of hopefuls is ready to follow suit. Below, discover seven front‑runners for Rookie of the Year honors and the must‑own cards that tell their story.

Why These Cards Matter​

  • 1st Bowman Chrome Autographs: Often a player’s first major release, highly sought after before flagship rookies arrive.
  • Topps Rookie & Pro Debut: The traditional gold standard for rookie cards, with Pro Debut offering a budget‑friendly alternative when flagship issues aren’t yet available.
  • Value Buys: Lesser‑known sets can offer upside if a player’s stock suddenly spikes.

1. Kristian Campbell (2B, Boston Red Sox)​

  • Bowman Chrome Draft Autograph (2023)
  • Topps Pro Debut (2024)
  • Value Buy: Leaf Perfect Game National Showcase (2020)
From an overlooked fourth‑round pick to Boston’s Opening Day starter, Campbell’s .330/.439/.558 line with 20 homers and 24 steals in Triple‑A earned him an eight‑year, $60 million deal. His Bowman Chrome Draft auto is the cornerstone card for early investors.

2. Dylan Crews (OF, Washington Nationals)​

  • Bowman Chrome Prospects (2024)
  • Topps Rookie (2025)
  • Value Buy: Panini Stars & Stripes USA Baseball (2018)
Once the top college bat in 2023, Crews slashed .426/.567/.713 at LSU. After a rocky debut, his premium power‑speed skill set and pedigree as a No. 2 overall pick position him for a breakout campaign—and hobby relevance to match.

3. Jasson Domínguez (OF, New York Yankees)​

  • Bowman Chrome Prospects (2020)
  • Topps Rookie (2024)
  • Value Buy: Stadium Club (2024)
Nicknamed “The Martian,” Domínguez has been hyped since signing in 2019. With nearly 20,000 Bowman Chrome Prospects graded by PSA—and half of them Gem Mint 10—his arrival in New York sets the stage for explosive demand if he lives up to his tools.

4. Roki Sasaki (SP, Los Angeles Dodgers)​

  • BBM Japanese League Rookie (2020)
  • Topps NPB (2021)
  • Value Buy: Topps World Baseball Classic (2023)
Japan’s pitching phenom signed with Los Angeles this winter, but his earliest cards hail from BBM and Topps NPB. As collectors await his first U.S. flagship issue, those Japanese releases offer a unique entry point into one of baseball’s most anticipated debuts.

5. Matt Shaw (3B, Chicago Cubs)​

  • Bowman Chrome Draft Autograph (2023)
  • Topps Pro Debut (2024)
  • Value Buy: Panini Prizm (2024)
A polished college hitter, Shaw hit .284/.379/.488 with 21 homers between Double‑A and Triple‑A. Cracking Chicago’s Opening Day roster alongside big‑market exposure, his Bowman Chrome Draft auto is the hobby’s go‑to card.

6. Cam Smith (OF, Houston Astros)​

  • Bowman Chrome Draft (2024)
  • Topps Entry: forthcoming
  • Value Buy: Panini Prospect Edition #88 (2024)
After a monster season at Florida State, Smith rocketed into the first round, then landed in Houston via trade. Without a Topps flagship yet, Bowman Chrome remains his marquee release—and Prospect Edition offers a budget path to his upside.

7. Jacob Wilson (SS, Oakland Athletics)​

  • Bowman Chrome Draft Autograph (2023)
  • Topps Rookie (2025)
  • Value Buy: Donruss (2024)
The son of former All‑Star Jack Wilson, Jacob dazzled in college before Oakland fast‑tracked him to the majors. While small‑market concerns linger, a hot start could ignite demand for his Bowman Chrome auto among collectors chasing affordable upside.

Watching these players develop—and snapping up their key early cards—could be the strategy that pays off big if one of them captures Rookie of the Year honors. Keep these names and card issues on your radar as the 2025 season unfolds.
 
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