1. Nick Kurtz — Debut Patch Autograph (Rookie)

2025 Stats: In 117 games, Nick Kurtz hit .290 with 36 home runs, 86 RBIs, 90 runs scored, a .619 slugging percentage, and roughly a 1.002 OPS. 

Why this card tops the set: Kurtz didn’t just have a good rookie season—he had one of the most historically dominant rookie performances in recent memory. He led all rookies in the key slugging and power metrics, and his Debut Patch Autograph in Chrome Update captures that slugger promise forever. For collectors and investors alike, this card represents both high demand and long-term upside if Kurtz remains a power threat.

2. Drake Baldwin — Rookie Autograph

2025 Stats: As a catcher in 124 games, Baldwin hit .274 with 19 home runs. 

Why this card ranks high: Catcher is a premium, scarce position in the hobby — and a rookie catcher who delivers power is rare. Baldwin winning NL Rookie of the Year (or close to it) bolsters interest. A Chrome Update rookie autograph gives collectors a chance at a high-upside, limited-run catcher’s card that could hold value if he becomes a long-term starting catcher.

3. James Wood — Rookie/ Autograph or Chrome RC

2025 Stats: In 2025, Wood posted a .256 average, 31 home runs, 94 RBI, and an .825 OPS. 

Why his card is desirable: Wood blends power and youth — a 6’7″ slugger with legit home-run power and a full season under his belt. His 2025 performance in the majors showed he’s more than just prospect hype. As a Rookie or near-Rookie card under Chrome Update, his autograph or refractor parallel is a compelling long-term play, especially if he develops into a consistent middle-of-the-order bat.

4. Cade Horton — Rookie Autograph

2025 Stats: Recognized among top rookie pitchers in 2025. Over a stretch late in the season (final 12 starts), Horton reportedly posted a 1.03 ERA over 61⅓ innings — a dominant run. 

Upside for his Chrome card: Pitcher rookies inherently carry risk — but Horton’s late-season dominance signals real upside. A Chrome Update rookie auto of a young arm that flashes that kind of potential could pay off big if he becomes a frontline starter.

5. Coby Mayo — Rookie Autograph or Chrome RC

Why chase his card: For collectors willing to take a flyer, Mayo offers a lower-cost entry point with good upside — if he breaks out, early Chrome-run rookie autos or refractors could deliver high long-term value.

6. Mick Abel — Rookie Autograph

2025 Season & Potential: Abel got time in the majors during 2025. Early returns showed flashes — including a six-shutout-innings debut with nine strikeouts. 

Card upside: For a pitcher with high strikeout potential and flashes of brilliance, a Chrome rookie autograph is a classic high-risk/high-reward scenario. If Abel can stabilize, his rookie Chrome card could become highly collectible.

7. Elly De La Cruz — Chrome Update Parallel (Not Rookie, but Star-Level)

2025 Stats: In 2025, De La Cruz posted a .264 batting average, 22 home runs, 102 runs scored, 86 RBI, 37 stolen bases, and a .440 slugging average. 

Why his card matters: Although not a true rookie, De La Cruz remains one of MLB’s most exciting young stars. A rare Chrome Update parallel (especially in a limited refractor or numbered version) of a player with his combination of speed, power, and youth can carry star-level value. Good for collectors seeking a breakout star card with existing hype.

8. A high-upside Rookie Autograph or Chrome RC for a prospect — speculative picks (e.g., Coby Mayo or other lesser-known rookies)

These cards are more of a gamble: you get lower price point and a greater probability of “swinging for the fences” — ideal for collectors comfortable with volatility. If the player develops as hoped, the payoff could be significant.

9. Rookie Catcher or Utility-player Autograph (lower-profile rookies)

Cards of rookies at premium positions like catcher (when not as hyped as Baldwin) or utility/bench rookies can sometimes pay off as sleeper hits — especially if the player earns playing time or uses strong tools (bat speed, speed, fielding) to carve out a role. These are more speculative but often underpriced relative to upside.

10. Rare Chrome Parallels or Short-Printed Inserts of Any of the Above Major Rookies or Stars (e.g., De La Cruz parallels)

Rare refractors, numbered parallels, or limited-issue inserts of rookies or breakout stars tend to carry high collector demand and can appreciate significantly, especially if the underlying player delivers on potential. For many collectors, these chase cards offer some of the highest possible long-term returns in the set.

Thoughts on Risk vs. Reward

• Cards tied to established 2025 performance (like Kurtz, Baldwin, Wood, De La Cruz, Horton, Abel) carry lower risk because their talent is already proven — but come with high demand, which can drive prices up quickly.
• Cards tied to unproven but high-upside players (like Mayo or deep-class rookies) are high risk / potentially high reward — they’re cheap now but only pay off if the player breaks out.
• Rare parallels / autographs magnify both risk and reward: rarity + talent = potentially major payoff; but if the player fails to develop, those cards could underperform.