It’s not hard to see why collectors have been laser focused on loading their portfolios with the best Julio Rodriguez rookie cards available. And for the sake of this post by rookie cards we mean both “true” rookie cards as well as prospect editions. Afterall, the latter are often the cards that hold the highest values. Anyways, there are many reasons why collectors are coming out in droves to invest in Julio Rodriguez.
The Case for Julio Rodriguez
Certainly, the most successful first year player in the MLB in 2022 was none other than the Mariners’ dynamic outfielder. Rodriguez, along with Jarred Kelenic, made up what the Mariners hoped to be a lethal tandem in the T-Mobile Park outfield for many years to come. While we’re not hating on Kelenic, it’s safe to say one has adjusted to the big leagues far better than the other. So while a Jarred Kelenic rookie card purchase might be a decent buy low play, a Rookie of the Year award has driven the Rodriguez rookie card market to new heights. And judging by what he did in 2023, we can only assume the good times are going to continue.
So with all the hype and attention is it still worth it to invest in one of Julio’s top rookie cards going into 2024? Of course. The kid has shown he can flat out play and his rookie season was just the start of what could be something very special. Just imagine if you would have sold on Trout or Ohtani after the first seasons. Safe to say you’d be kicking yourself. To say the least. So regardless of what you end up spending, an investment right now in one of the following cards could be well worth the price tag. Let’s find out what collections of the best first year Rodriguez cards!
Speaking of MLB rookies…
Here are a few of the top Bobby Whit Jr. rookie cards!
Top 3 Julio Rodriguez Rookie Cards: Prospect Collections
1. 2019 Bowman Chrome
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We’ll start with the most valuable. No surprises here, Bowman Chrome leads the way. If you want a rare refractor with an autograph and a high grade from PSA or Beckett you’re looking at $2,000 or more. Meanwhile, if you’re in the market for something less fancy consider an autographed base card or a refractor without an auto. Overall the set contains the most valuable Julio Rodriguez cards on the market so don’t expect to be picking up any of these for a couple of bucks.
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Recommended Cards To Target
Big Budget Top Pick – Gold Shimmer Refractor with autograph (raw or graded)
Moderate Budget Top Pick – Blue Shimmer Refractor no auto PSA or BGS 9 or higher
Bargain Budget Top Pick – Base card PSA or BGS 9 or higher
2. 2020 Bowman Chrome X
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While not as valuable or as popular as the 2019 Bowman Chrome, the 2020 Chrome X has some of the top Julio Rodriguez rookie cards that command a decent amount of dough. However, with no autographs available, you should be able to find plenty of cards for less than $500. As always, be on the lookout for cards graded by BGS or PSA . Afterall, if you’re shelling out a decent amount of cash you should always ensure that you’re getting an authentic card.
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Cards To Target: Green X-Fractor Speckle Refractor
3. 2019 Bowman Sterling
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There are all kinds of options in this set for less than $300. Especially if you don’t mind buying a card that hasn’t been graded. In addition to the style of card shown above, there’s also a die-cut refractor with a horizontal layout holding a similar value. Whether you opt for something high end or go for one of the standard base cards, Sterling is the perfect set for casual collectors looking to pick up a Julio Rodriguez 1st Bowman card on the cheap.
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Recommended Cards To Target
Big Budget Top Pick – Orange Refractor with autograph (raw or graded)
Moderate Budget Top Pick – Blue Refractor no auto PSA or BGS 9 or higher
Bargain Budget Top Pick – Base card with autograph raw
Best Julio Rodriguez “True” Rookie Cards
2022 Topps Short Print
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While the first few cards have been prospection editions, we now move into the category of TRUE rookie cards. As in the ones with the RC logo on the front. Unlike the prospect cards we’ve covered so far, these celebrate Julio’s actual rookie season. A season that has crowned him AL Rookie of the Year by the way.
At any rate, the 2022 Topps collection makes for a great play for anyone who wants a classic Julio Rodriguez rookie card without paying an arm and a leg.
Best Julio Rodriguez Rookie Cards Value Buy: 2022 Bowman Chrome
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We go from a true budget play to a set that offers some of the best and most valuable Julio Rodriguez rookie cards in existence. For example, it’ll take not hundred but THOUSANDS to add the Red Refractor shown above to your collection. While 2022 Bowman Chrome is loaded with plenty of high dollar investment options, you can also pick up one of the more common refractors or base cards if you want in on the cheap.
Football Content: Best Mac Jones Rookie Cards
Julio Rodriguez Rookie Cards From Panini
2017 Panini Elite
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Leave it to Panini to go WAY, WAY BACK to 2017 to get the drop of the Julio Rodriguez rookie card market. While Panini may not offer the best Julio Rodriguez card options, by no means are they a non-starter. You’ll find plenty of great cards for less than $100 here. Perfect for budget collectors looking for one the first Julio Rodriguez rookie cards ever made.
2021 Panini Prizm
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If you’re looking for a more modern collection from Panini look no further. The 2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks set has it all. Style, autographs, and a stunning array of colors that live up to the Prizm brand. When it comes to the top cards in the collection you could do far worse than the Gold Prizm shown here. Additionally the color Blast insert is a highly coveted item that should hold it’s value well into the future. As long as Julio lives up to his end of the bargain.
Julio Rodriguez Rookie Card Value Outlook
As we mentioned earlier, there is no shortage of cards to choose from. On a budget? There are plenty of great cards to choose from for under $10. Just don’t go hoping for an autograph or a refractor! Big spender? Huge values aren’t hard to find. Just taking a look at the BEST Julio Rodriguez rookie card that broke records recently. That just goes to show there’s something for EVERYBODY.
In addition to monetary value, the cards clearly hold some sentimental value appeal as well. And not just for Seattle fans. Once you’ve seen this kid play you’ll be hard pressed to part with your card. Why? It appears that thing are only going to get better.
More Information on the best Julio Rodriguez Baseball Cards
What is the most valuable Julio Rodriguez rookie card?
The highest values will be cards that have a print run of just one. These reside within the 2022 Topps and 2019 Bowman collections. For example, cards from these sets have no problem exceeding the $20,000 benchmark. Overall the set with the most high value cards is without a doubt 2019 Bowman Chrome.
Is a Julio Rodriguez PSA 10 worth it?
YES! In the world of sports card collecting there isn’t a more coveted grade than a PSA 10 or Bowman 10. In it for the biggest gains? Shelling out the extra cash for a perfect grade is well worth the price if Julio goes on to be a star.
Is a Julio Rodriguez card signed worth more?
Absolutely. When compare to the similar cards from the same set that do not include an autograph you’ll find the ones that have been signed far outweigh the non-autos in terms of value.
How much should I spend on my card?
As with anything else the answer to this question is highly situational. However, you’ll want to ask yourself two important questions. The first of which is how much you can afford to spend. We always recommend collecting with a cool head so if anything lean to the side of caution when coming up with a dollar amount. Secondly, high is Julio’s ceiling ? If you believe he hasn’t even begun to tap into his potential then you know EXACTLY what to do. UNLOAD. Think he’s at his peak? Consider some alternative options you’re more confident in. One thing is for certain, the more you spend the more you stand to gain. Or to lose for that matter.