The Best Baseball Cards to Buy Right Now Before the Playoffs Send Their Value Soaring

The 2025 MLB postseason is upon us. It’s the greatest time of the year, whether you’re just a lover of the game or someone who’s all-in on finding their next big rookie card. The best baseball card packs to buy right now are hidden in plain sight if you know what to look for, and we have you covered.

Discover the best baseball cards to invest in right now with this Giant Sports Cards guide.

What Are The Best Baseball Cards to Buy Right Now?

Cal Raleigh - 2022 Topps Finest Rookie Auto

Let’s start off by addressing the elephant in the room, shall we? Raleigh’s cards are already in the spotlight. In fact, their value has increased by 9,768% from floor levels since 2019 on average, leading some collectors to believe a market correction is in order.

Analyst Mike Metzler believes it could go either way. Raleigh recently hit his 60th homer of the season at just 28 years of age, indicating immense potential for the World Series. With his ungraded 2022 Topps Finest Rookie Auto last priced at $194.83, today might be the next best time to buy his baseball cards if you missed out earlier.

Nico Hoerner - 2020 Topps Chrome Rookie Auto

When it comes to the best baseball cards to buy right now, Hoerner has flown somewhat under the radar despite his stellar consistency as a fixture for the Cubs. His prowess as a second base defender is going to be a key consideration for the Cubs’ performance in October, and Kyle Tucker’s injury might help shine more of a spotlight on Hoerner.

If you’re looking for the best baseball card packs to buy right now and value is a priority, you’re going to want to pick a Hoerner card up. His 2020 Topps Chrome Rookie Auto last sold for $23.50, making it one of the most competitively-priced Topps Chrome cards out there.

Aaron Judge - 2017 Topps Gallery Rookie Auto

You might feel one way or the other about the Yankees’ playoff chances, but Aaron Judge has always been a safe bet. His 2017 Topps Chrome RC auto is one of the best baseball cards to buy right now as the playoffs kick off, with the Yankees captain showing all the signs of delivering the consistent performance his fans have come to expect.

What makes his rookie card such a good buy right now? Judge just became the third player to win a batting title and hit 50 or more homers, putting him in league with legends like Mickey Mantle. An ungraded Aaron Judge 2017 Topps Gallery auto card was last priced at $428.07.

Shohei Ohtani - 2018 Topps Chrome Rookie 

We can’t bring up the Yankees without mentioning the team that beat them in the World Series finals last year: the Dodgers. As a Dodgers fixture, Shohei Ohtani’s RC is one of the best baseball cards to invest in right now. If the Dodgers can manage a repeat win, you’ll see Ohtani’s card values soar at light speed.

Ohtani’s RC is one of the best baseball cards to buy right now, purely based on individual performance as well. The Dodgers player recently hit two home runs in the opening playoff game against the Reds. His 2018 Topps Chrome RC was last sold at $110.00, while his Topps Gypsy Queen variant offers a more affordable alternative at $35.62 (ungraded).

Fernando Tatís Jr. - 2019 Topps Chrome Rookie Auto

If you’re looking at the best baseball card packs to buy right now, you’re going to want one that features this Padres star. The Padres might have gotten off to a shaky start against the Cubs right now, but Tatís Jr. is sure to lay down another great season now that he’s fully recovered.

What makes his Topps sports card one of the best baseball cards to buy right now? Momentum. Tatís Jr. recently hit his first grand slam in four years after bouncing back from an illness, and he’s not going to stop. 

You can pick up a Fernando Tatís Jr. 2019 Topps RC auto for $218.52 (ungraded).

Build Your Postseason Squad Today

The best baseball cards to buy right now range from tried-and-tested hitters to newcomers with something to prove. Whether you’re chasing classic rookies or dazzling new refractors, Giant Sports Cards has you covered with free US shipping on orders over $199 and a rewards program that helps you save more on every new hobby case.

Unbox Your Love Of The Game™ at the ultimate sports card store today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I buy baseball cards before the playoffs?

In most cases, yes. Playoffs tend to send player card values soaring, and it’s generally a safer bet to pick up rookie cards before the playoffs rather than after. Card values can always decrease after playoffs, but there’s no reliable way of predicting those trends.

What are the best baseball cards to buy right now?

The best baseball cards to invest in right now will depend on your goals! If you’re looking to turn a profit, you’ll want to zone in on underpriced superstars, like Julio Rodríguez. On the other hand, if you’re buying for prestige, you’ll want something like a Shohei Ohtani RC.

What are the best baseball card packs to buy right now?

Current-year Topps Chrome hobby boxes are always a safe bet, as they consistently offer some of the most affordable releases every year, and they also boast high single-card resale values. That said, lines like Bowman Chrome also offer excellent card designs and can be quite valuable.