
In the exhilarating world of baseball card collecting, where each card tells a story and captures a moment in time, grading trends act as a window into the hearts of collectors worldwide. The year 2024 unfolded with a wave of enthusiasm surrounding MLB rookies and prospects, with names like Elly De La Cruz, Paul Skenes, and Jackson Holliday dominating the grading scene.
Gemrate.com, a trusted source for card data analyzed by Baseball America, revealed that Elly De La Cruz surged ahead as the frontrunner in the MLB rookie category. With an impressive 93,194 graded cards by November 4, De La Cruz’s popularity among collectors was undeniable. The American League MVP Aaron Judge followed closely behind with 75,545 graded cards, showcasing the strong competition in the grading market.
However, reigning National League MVP and baseball phenomenon, Shohei Ohtani, emerged as the shining star of 2024’s grading highlights. Ohtani’s staggering 231,783 graded cards within the first ten months of the year solidified his position as the most coveted player in the hobby. Ryan Stuczynski from Gemrate expressed awe at Ohtani’s unparalleled grading activity, emphasizing that the MVP’s total of 740,000 graded cards places him second in history, only behind the legendary Ken Griffey Jr.
The allure of prospects also shone brightly in the grading landscape of 2024. Jasson Dominguez led the charge among Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects, with Dylan Crews and Walker Jenkins following suit. The growing interest in baseball’s future stars was evident in the rising number of graded cards for these promising talents, demonstrating the impact of hype on the card market.
The source of these grading insights stemmed from the industry’s major players, including PSA, BGS, ISA, SGC, and CGC. Their involvement highlighted the widespread influence of grading trends, reflecting not just player performance but also the pulse of collector sentiment driving the market.
Understanding the significance of grading trends is essential for collectors navigating the evolving marketplace. Strong grading activity for rookies and prospects often heralds increased collector interest and surging card values. Iconic players like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge wield immense influence in the market, with their star power fueling unprecedented activity among collectors.
As 2024 unfolds, collectors are encouraged to stay tuned to the dynamic shifts in the baseball card world. Whether chasing after rookies like De La Cruz or investing in future stars like Dominguez, the data from grading trends provides valuable insights to guide collectors in predicting the next big hobby icons. The journey continues as these players make waves both on the field and in the hearts of collectors worldwide.