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SURPRISE, ARIZONA - MARCH 12: Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds runs the bases during the third inning of the MLB game against the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium on March 12, 2025 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Christian Petersen via Getty Images
Spring training is a pivotal time of year for both baseball fans and sports card investors. It's the moment when young players and prospects make their first real impressions, and the market for their cards can either soar or falter. For collectors, this is when prospecting becomes king, as every home run, strikeout, or defensive play holds the potential to dramatically increase the value of a player’s card.
But the ultimate question remains: will these spring training performances translate to success in the regular season, or will they fade into the background?
With that in mind, here are five players that could be prime investment opportunities this season based on their standout spring training performances.
Roki Sasaki, SP, Dodgers
Through two spring training outings, Roki Sasaki has looked every bit the ace. The 23-year-old Japan native hasn’t given up a run in seven innings pitched, recording 7 strikeouts and allowing just three hits. With the upcoming Tokyo Series, Sasaki’s hype is poised to reach new heights. While he doesn't yet have a true rookie card, much like Shohei Ohtani in the 2017 Bowman Mega Boxes, Sasaki can be found in 2021 Topps Chrome NPB, 2022 Bowman NPB, and 2023 Bowman Chrome, making him a prime target for collectors looking to invest in his early cards.
Cam Smith, 3B, Astros
Through 20 at-bats this spring, Cam Smith is hitting an impressive .450, with 2 home runs, 7 RBIs, and 5 walks. Smith was a key piece in the blockbuster trade that sent Kyle Tucker to the Cubs, and his performance has been so outstanding that Astros GM Dana Brown has even mentioned the possibility of playing him in right field—a position he has yet to play. Whether it's Leaf, Bowman’s Best, or Bowman, if he makes the Opening Day roster, his card values could soar.
Jac Caglianone, 1B, Royals
Caglianone, a rising star drafted last year by the Royals from the University of Florida, has been impressive this spring. In just 14 at-bats, he’s hitting .500 with 3 home runs and 5 RBIs, boasting a remarkable 1.874 OPS. As the #6 overall pick in last year's draft, Caglianone is far from flying under the radar. While his cards are already priced high, his potential ceiling makes them even more enticing. His Bowman's Best and First Bowman autos are on the expensive side, but they could deliver a great return if his performance continues.
Elly De La Cruz, SS, Reds
Elly De La Cruz is primed for a breakout season and is a strong dark horse candidate for the 2025 NL MVP. In 27 at-bats this spring, Elly is hitting .481, with 3 home runs, 5 RBIs, and 5 stolen bases, showcasing a 1.489 OPS. His Bowman First autos are definitely pricey, but the boxes they come in are relatively affordable. His rookie cards are what collectors should consider a must-buy right now. Whether it's Five Star, Topps Chrome, or Bowman Sterling, these cards are bound to take off if he continues this impressive performance into the season.
Curtis Mead, 2B, Rays
Curtis Mead has been tearing it up this spring, boasting a .615 average through 26 at-bats, along with 1 home run and a staggering 1.446 OPS. At 24 years old, Mead is a bit older to be considered a “young” prospect and has already debuted as a rookie. However, after adding 20 pounds in the offseason, he’s been absolutely raking this spring. His rookie cards, including his Bowman First Autos, are still quite affordable, with PSA 10 versions priced around $90. If he keeps up this hot streak, those prices could see a significant jump as the season progresses.
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