5 Hot Baseball Rookies to Watch and Collect in 2013
The last few years have been kind to the hobby as far as rookies go. Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper, Mike Trout and Yu Darvish are just a few of the young stars to make a huge impact both in the game and in card sales. While prognosticators are expecting that the 2013 baseball season won't see the loaded rookie crop that 2012 had, several players are expected to make an impact with their teams between now and the start of October.
Below are five such talents and their key cards. Like all prospecting, there are no guarantees that their values will rise. Also, prices may already be fairly high. But we were all thinking the same thing last year when 2009 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout autographs were hovering around the $100 mark. Look where they are now.
5 Baseball Rookies to Watch and Collect in 2013
Dylan Bundy, Baltimore Orioles
Dylan Bundy is easily one of the top pitching prospects in the game. Taken by the Orioles with the fourth pick in 2013, the right-hander has a fastball that hovers around 100-miles per hour. Bundy started 2012 in Double-A but made a couple of short appearances with the Orioles late in the season. It's expected that he won't start 2013 with the big league club but will be there to stay before fall arrives. Bundy won't turn 21 until after the 2013 season is over.
Key Dylan Bundy Cards:
- 2011 Bowman Chrome Draft Dylan Bundy Autograph
- 2011 Bowman Sterling Dylan Bundy Autograph
- 2011 Donruss Elite Extra Edition Dylan Bundy Autograph #/435
Jedd Gyorko, San Diego Padres
All signs point towards Jedd Gyorko being the Padres' starting second baseman for the foreseeable future. A second round pick in 2010, Gyorko is 24. Last season he hit a total of 30 minor league home runs including 24 in 369 Triple-A at-bats. Those types of power numbers, particularly at second base, could garner a lot of attention from collectors.
Key Jedd Gyorko Cards:
- 2010 Donruss Elite Extra Edition Jedd Gyorko Autograph #/675
- 2011 Bowman Chrome Jedd Gyorko Auotgraph
Billy Hamilton, Cincinnati Reds
In 2012, Billy Hamilton stole 155 bases. What more needs to be said? While there have been plenty of speed demons in baseball over the years, few have created much excitement since the 1980s when Rickey Henderson, Tim Raines and Vince Coleman were around. That could change with Hamilton if he finds himself roaming Cincinnati's center field before the end of 2013.
Key Billy Hamilton Cards:
- 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Billy Hamilton
- 2009 Tristar Prospects Plus Billy Hamilton Autograph #/199
- 2012 Bowman Chrome Billy Hamilton Autograph
Wil Myers, Tampa Bay Rays
Even with starting pitchers carrying a premium, Tampa Bay gave up two of them to get Wil Myers during the off-season. The outfielder is considered by many to be the top prospect in baseball. There may not be room for the slugger in the Tampa outfield to start the season but Myers is too good to stay in the minors for long.
Key Wil Myers Cards:
Jurickson Profar, Texas Rangers
With Josh Hamilton heading to the Halos, the Rangers have a major offensive hole to fill. Many are looking to Jurickson Profar to plug up some of the gap. The 20-year-old made his Texas debut late in 2012, hitting a home run in his first at-bat. A middle infielder, it may take an injury or a position switch to open up a spot for the hard-hitting prospect.
Key Jurickson Profar Cards:
- 2010 Donruss Elite Extra Edition Jurickson Profar Autograph #/390
- 2011 Bowman Chrome Jurickson Profar Autograph
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Scott B. | Mar 23, 2013 | Reply
Billy Hamilton will still be collected heavily, but he won’t be in Cincy until he can learn to hit MLBers. Which was evident in spring training. He will never be a great enough hitter to put up those huge steals in the major leagues..but considering how many times their previous CF struck out he may have some leeway. Be ready to sell fast.