Spring Training Standouts: Breakout Players & Rising Cards
Spring training is a pivotal time of year for both baseball fans and sports card investors. It's the moment when young players and prospects make their first real impressions, and the market for their cards can either soar or falter. For collectors, this is when prospecting becomes king, as every home run, strikeout, or defensive play holds the potential to dramatically increase the value of a player’s card.
But the ultimate question remains: will these spring training performances translate to success in the regular season, or will they fade into the background?
With that in mind, here are five players that could be prime investment opportunities this season based on their standout spring training performances.
Roki Sasaki, SP, Dodgers
Through two spring training outings, Roki Sasaki has looked every bit the ace. The 23-year-old Japan native hasn’t given up a run in seven innings pitched, recording 7 strikeouts and allowing just three hits. With the upcoming Tokyo Series, Sasaki’s hype is poised to reach new heights. While he doesn't yet have a true rookie card, much like Shohei Ohtani in the 2017 Bowman Mega Boxes, Sasaki can be found in 2021 Topps Chrome NPB, 2022 Bowman NPB, and 2023 Bowman Chrome, making him a prime target for collectors looking to invest in his early cards.
Cam Smith, 3B, Astros
Through 20 at-bats this spring, Cam Smith is hitting an impressive .450, with 2 home runs, 7 RBIs, and 5 walks. Smith was a key piece in the blockbuster trade that sent Kyle Tucker to the Cubs, and his performance has been so outstanding that Astros GM Dana Brown has even mentioned the possibility of playing him in right field—a position he has yet to play. Whether it's Leaf, Bowman’s Best, or Bowman, if he makes the Opening Day roster, his card values could soar.
Jac Caglianone, 1B, Royals
Caglianone, a rising star drafted last year by the Royals from the University of Florida, has been impressive this spring. In just 14 at-bats, he’s hitting .500 with 3 home runs and 5 RBIs, boasting a remarkable 1.874 OPS. As the #6 overall pick in last year's draft, Caglianone is far from flying under the radar. While his cards are already priced high, his potential ceiling makes them even more enticing. His Bowman's Best and First Bowman autos are on the expensive side, but they could deliver a great return if his performance continues.
Elly De La Cruz, SS, Reds
Elly De La Cruz is primed for a breakout season and is a strong dark horse candidate for the 2025 NL MVP. In 27 at-bats this spring, Elly is hitting .481, with 3 home runs, 5 RBIs, and 5 stolen bases, showcasing a 1.489 OPS. His Bowman First autos are definitely pricey, but the boxes they come in are relatively affordable. His rookie cards are what collectors should consider a must-buy right now. Whether it's Five Star, Topps Chrome, or Bowman Sterling, these cards are bound to take off if he continues this impressive performance into the season.
Curtis Mead, 2B, Rays
Curtis Mead has been tearing it up this spring, boasting a .615 average through 26 at-bats, along with 1 home run and a staggering 1.446 OPS. At 24 years old, Mead is a bit older to be considered a “young” prospect and has already debuted as a rookie. However, after adding 20 pounds in the offseason, he’s been absolutely raking this spring. His rookie cards, including his Bowman First Autos, are still quite affordable, with PSA 10 versions priced around $90. If he keeps up this hot streak, those prices could see a significant jump as the season progresses.
Your collection deserves a community. Download Mantel today.
-
MLB spring training 2025: How to watch Spring Breakout games tonight
Catch this year's best MLB prospects all weekend long by tuning in to Spring Breakout!Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Watch these 5 top Yankees prospects play in MLB Spring Breakout game 2025
Top Yankees prospects George Lombard Jr. and Spencer Jones, who began spring training in big league camp, headline a group of a youngsters to watch.Yahoo Sports - 19h -
How to qualify for a credit card hardship program this spring
If you need extra help with your credit card debt, there are a few ways to qualify for a hardship program now.CBS News - 2d -
The Rays get 120 hours to make the Yankees' spring stadium their own. Here's how they'll do it
When Tampa Bay players leave Steinbrenner Field following the New York Yankees’ spring training home finale on March 23, their staff will launch a 120-hour transformation of the ballpark for the ...ABC News - 4d -
The Rays get 120 hours to make the Yankees’ spring stadium their own. Here’s how they’ll do it
When Tampa Bay players leave Steinbrenner Field following the Yankees’ spring training home finale on March 23, their staff will launch a 120-hour transformation of the ballpark for the Rays’ ...Yahoo Sports - 4d -
Why Tigers have young All-Star Riley Greene playing center field in spring training
Detroit Tigers left fielder Riley Greene played center field for six innings Wednesday and six innings Thursday in spring training, just in case.Yahoo Sports - 11h -
Aaliyah Chavez named Naismith Player of the Year, finalist for Gatorade National POY
National honors continue to roll in for Monterey's standout basketball player.Yahoo Sports - 18h -
Cincinnati Reds spring training: Reds drop pair of games; Jose Trevino exits with injury
The Cincinnati Reds were swept in a pair of split-squad spring training games Friday. Catcher Jose Trevino exited after being hit on hand by foul tip.Yahoo Sports - 4h -
6 M.L.B. Players Poised for Breakout Seasons
Jo Adell has the potential to author one of the great prospect comeback stories of the last decade.The New York Times - 2d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
NWSL club BOS Nation FC says it will announce new name in coming weeks, following significant fan backlash
The new Boston franchise unveiled its name and branding in October, but pivoted after receiving criticism for the name and its publicity campaign.Yahoo Sports - 5m -
Nate Diaz wants title to complete UFC legacy; roasts promotion's current lack of star power
Nate Diaz wants to give it one more run in the UFC to chase gold. Diaz (21-13 MMA, 16-11 UFC) walked away from the promotion after a submission victory over Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in September ...Yahoo Sports - 10m -
Kyle Connor scores 2 goals and adds an assist as Jets beat Stars 4-1
Kyle Connor scored twice and added an assist to lead the Winnipeg Jets to a 4-1 victory over the Dallas Stars on Friday night. Dylan Samberg and Morgan Barron also scored for Winnipeg, while Mark ...Yahoo Sports - 10m -
Zuby Ejiofor much more than just most improved in record-setting performance for No. 6 St. John's
Maybe most improved didn't really do Zuby Ejiofor justice. The junior forward delivered an overpowering performance Friday night for No. 6 St. John's, scoring a career-best 33 points — a school ...Yahoo Sports - 13m -
Mizzou exits SEC Tournament with loss to Florida
Florida couldn't miss and had an answer for every Tiger run, ending Mizzou's chance at an SEC title Friday.Yahoo Sports - 13m
More in Sports
-
NWSL club BOS Nation FC says it will announce new name in coming weeks, following significant fan backlash
The new Boston franchise unveiled its name and branding in October, but pivoted after receiving criticism for the name and its publicity campaign.Yahoo Sports - 5m -
Nate Diaz wants title to complete UFC legacy; roasts promotion's current lack of star power
Nate Diaz wants to give it one more run in the UFC to chase gold. Diaz (21-13 MMA, 16-11 UFC) walked away from the promotion after a submission victory over Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in September ...Yahoo Sports - 10m -
Kyle Connor scores 2 goals and adds an assist as Jets beat Stars 4-1
Kyle Connor scored twice and added an assist to lead the Winnipeg Jets to a 4-1 victory over the Dallas Stars on Friday night. Dylan Samberg and Morgan Barron also scored for Winnipeg, while Mark ...Yahoo Sports - 10m -
Zuby Ejiofor much more than just most improved in record-setting performance for No. 6 St. John's
Maybe most improved didn't really do Zuby Ejiofor justice. The junior forward delivered an overpowering performance Friday night for No. 6 St. John's, scoring a career-best 33 points — a school ...Yahoo Sports - 13m -
Mizzou exits SEC Tournament with loss to Florida
Florida couldn't miss and had an answer for every Tiger run, ending Mizzou's chance at an SEC title Friday.Yahoo Sports - 13m