In the world of baseball card collecting, the grading trends of 2024 have unveiled the players who are making waves among collectors. Leading the pack is Elly De La Cruz, whose popularity is evident in the staggering number of graded trading cards attributed to him. With a remarkable 93,194 cards graded by November 4, De La Cruz has asserted himself as the most sought-after rookie in the market. Even American League MVP Aaron Judge falls slightly behind with 75,545 cards graded during the same period.
However, the real standout in the grading world is National League MVP Shohei Ohtani. Setting a new standard, Ohtani had an impressive 231,783 cards graded within the first 10 months of 2024, solidifying his position as the most collectible player in the hobby. Founder of Gemrate, Ryan Stuczynski, emphasized, “Grading activity for Ohtani is unlike anything we’ve seen in the baseball category.” Ohtani’s cumulative total of 740,000 graded cards places him second all-time, just behind Ken Griffey Jr. Remarkably, even when only considering data from 2024, Ohtani would still rank 15th all-time in baseball card grading.
Turning our attention to the top prospects, Jasson Dominguez emerged as the leader among Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects in the total number of graded cards for 2024. Dylan Crews and Walker Jenkins followed closely behind, highlighting the growing interest in the future stars of baseball. The surge in grading activity for prospects and rookies reflects the impact of hype on the baseball card market, as collectors rush to acquire cards of up-and-coming talents.
The grading data is sourced from the major grading companies in the card-collecting industry, namely PSA, BGS, ISA, SGC, and CGC. These companies provide a comprehensive overview of grading trends, indicating not only player performance but also the sentiments of collectors driving the market.
Understanding the significance of grading trends is crucial for collectors looking to navigate the market effectively. For rookies and prospects, high grading activity often translates to increased collector interest and rising card values. Players like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge dominate the market due to their star power, attracting unparalleled activity around their cards.
As the baseball card market evolves in 2024, these players are set to continue making an impact both on and off the field. Whether chasing after rookies like De La Cruz or investing in future stars like Dominguez, collectors can leverage grading trends to anticipate the next big icons in the hobby. Stay tuned for more excitement in the world of baseball card collecting as these players shape the landscape of the market.
