In the dynamic realm of baseball card collecting, grading trends serve as a window into the hearts of collectors, revealing the players who have captured their imaginations and garnered the most attention. As we journey through the first 10 months of 2024, one player stands out as the undisputed leader among MLB rookies in the world of graded trading cards – Elly De La Cruz.
According to data from Gemrate.com, meticulously scrutinized by the experts at Baseball America, Elly De La Cruz has surged ahead with an impressive total of 93,194 graded cards by November 4. This staggering number catapults him to the forefront of the grading market, showcasing his immense popularity among collectors who are eager to get their hands on his sought-after cards.
Not far behind are notable figures like National League Rookie of the Year, Paul Skenes, and top prospect, Jackson Holliday, who are hot on the trail of De La Cruz in the grading race, vying for a spot in collectors’ hearts and portfolios.
The man at the pinnacle, however, holding the crown of the highest esteemed in the realm of baseball card collecting, is none other than the National League MVP, Shohei Ohtani. With a jaw-dropping 231,783 cards graded in the first 10 months of 2024 alone, Ohtani’s dominance in the world of graded cards is unrivaled. His total cumulative tally of 740,000 graded cards cements his status as one of the most collectible players in the history of the hobby, second only to the legendary Ken Griffey Jr.
“Ohtani’s grading activity is truly unparalleled, setting a new benchmark in the baseball card category,” remarked Gemrate founder Ryan Stuczynski. Even when considering only the data from 2024, Ohtani’s grading numbers place him in the esteemed 15th position of all-time in baseball card grading, underscoring the fervor surrounding his cards.
Shifting our focus to the rising stars and future talents in the game, Jasson Dominguez reigns supreme among Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects in the total number of graded cards for the year. The likes of Dylan Crews and Walker Jenkins follow closely behind, mirroring the escalating interest in baseball’s budding talents among collectors who are eager to secure their cards.
The fervent hype surrounding new prospects and rookie sensations translates into a surge of grading activity, as collectors rush to add these promising players’ cards to their prized collections, driving the market’s momentum.
The meticulous tracking of grading numbers across the industry’s key players – including PSA, BGS, ISA, SGC, and CGC – highlights the extensive reach of grading trends in the collector’s realm. These numbers not only reflect player performance but also capture the sentiments of collectors and enthusiasts, shaping the market’s landscape.
Understanding the significance of grading trends is pivotal for collectors navigating the intricacies of the market, whether they are in pursuit of rising rookies like De La Cruz or betting on future stars like Dominguez. These trends provide invaluable insights into player popularity, market demand, and potential investment opportunities, guiding collectors towards making informed decisions in their pursuit of hobby icons.
As we eagerly anticipate the unfolding of the baseball card market in 2024, these players – both on and off the field – are poised to continue making waves and capturing the hearts of collectors worldwide.
