Another season, another chance for collectors to find value in baseball cards. MLB in 2024 boasts no shortage of young talent. While that leads to opportunity, understanding which baseball card packs to buy, or the best MLB cards to invest in, plays an important role in landing the next gem. Considering card brands is also important. Identifying the best brand of baseball cards while searching will factor into what any card could be worth.
For MLB card collecting in 2024, finding the player is as important as landing a scarce print from a reputable brand. This guide will walk collectors through what to look for as they navigate the marketplace.
What’s the best MLB card pack to buy?
Given the staying power of baseball cards, multiple companies continue to produce valuable cards. Topps, Bowman, and Panini are all recognizable names and are among some of the highest selling cards on the market. In 2024, picking up a pack produced by any of these companies is where value can be had.
Topps Baseball 2024
Likely the most recognizable name in baseball card collecting. The Topps Baseball Series 2 pack is the latest version of cards produced by Topps. Series 2 features the Royal Blue Card Parallel, adding to the rarity and collectibility of the cards for collectors. Series 1 is also available, as are the 2023 Series 2 Relic boxes.
2024 Bowman Baseball
A section of Topps, Bowman’s unique cards give the subsidiary standalone value. The 2024 Value Box comes with 72 cards and includes the retail exclusive Green Parallel cards. For more series collectors, Bowman offers high-dollar Hobby and Jumbo boxes. These options include chrome and autograph cards.
2024 Panini Prizm Baseball
These packs appeal to the more dedicated collectors and hobbyists. The 2024 hobby box isn’t scheduled to release until August. Packs will feature autographs and various insert cards in a 300-card base set.
What is the best MLB card box for 2024
For those collectors looking to maximize value, picking up a card box might be the most efficient way to do so. While all of the aforementioned companies offer card boxes, identifying the right box could be a convoluted process. For example, collectors can pick from value boxes, hobby boxes, and jumbo boxes with Bowman. Panini Prizm is offering presale on their hobby box, as well. In most cases, the difference between these options comes down to the number of cards featured in the box, as well as the rarity of the cards included. In other words, insert cards and autographs are more prominent in the high-dollar boxes. It’s important to know what is included in each box. However, the more a collector is willing to pay, the more likely they are to return significant potential for value.
In short, the best card box for a collector is contingent upon their respective goal in purchasing the box. Casual collectors might lean toward a Bowman value box, while the seasoned hobbyists go with 2024 Panini Prizm hobby box.
The 1st Bowman Chrome card is always a significant card for any player, as it represents their first appearance in a major card set. The 2023 Bowman Draft 1st Bowman Chrome Card for Paul Skenes is a must-have for collectors, featuring a desirable design and potential for high value as Skenes' career progresses. His dominant performance thus far during his rookie season will only help the value of this sought after card.
Wyatt Langford 2023 Bowman Draft #BDC-106 Chrome - Refractor (1st) RAW
The Texas Rangers continue to hit on young talent. Wyatt Langford is the latest rookie to reach the big club and contribute. Not to mention, it only took the 2023 fourth overall pick one season to do so. At 22-years old, Langford is in the midst of a 15-game stretch in which he’s slashed .291/.350/.473 with 14 RBI. As a result, his card value has seen a bump. This specific card could’ve been had for an average price of $1.98 on May 29. It last sold for $13.25 on June 26, per Sports Card Investor.
Elly De La Cruz 2024 Bowman #RI-1 Rising Infernos Rookie RAW
The Reds rookie has continued to develop into a household name. With 38 stolen bases and 14 home runs in 2024, the 22-year old’s combo of power and speed have him on the cusp of his first All-Star Game appearance. This specific card combines rarity with player stature. The Rising Inferno artwork makes it stand out to collectors. Prices have fluctuated for this card. The last sale was logged at $14.81 on June 27 on Sports Card Investor.
Bobby Witt Jr. 2022 Bowman Chrome Rookie Card
Bobby Witt Jr. is a young talent making waves in the MLB. His 2022 Bowman Chrome Rookie Card is a top choice for collectors. Witt's combination of power, speed, and defensive skills makes him a promising player to invest in. The allure of Bobby Witt Jr. cards grows as Witt Jr. is an avid collector himself. His skills on the field, engaging personality, and interest in the hobby has helped his value grow.
Gunnar Henderson 2023 Topps Series 1 Rookie Card
Gunnar Henderson is one of the most exciting young prospects in the MLB. His 2023 Topps Series 1 Rookie Card is a top pick for collectors. As Henderson continues to develop his skills and make a name for himself, this card's value is expected to rise significantly. The Orioles major league club and farm system are loaded–and we should continue to see the value of his cards ascend as does the team.
Steven Kwan 2022 Topps Update #US261 SP Variation Rookie RAW
The Guardians continue to be one of baseball’s biggest surprises in 2024. A key factor in Cleveland’s first-place standing in the AL Central is outfielder Steven Kwan. As of June 28, Kwan is batting .373 with just 17 strikeouts in 217 at-bats. With one Gold Glove under his belt and his first All-Star nod a seeming inevitability, Kwan’s standing continues to improve. The last version of this specific card sold for $34.95 on June 26. For reference, the same card sold for an average of $9 on June 6, according to Sports Card Investor.
Are MLB cards worth buying?
In short, yes. MLB cards will likely always be worth buying and collecting. This is especially true in 2024. When collectors consider the wealth of young talent across the game, as well as established veterans playing in the prime of their careers, the opportunity to land valuable cards is as present as it's ever been.
