The Most Undervalued Players In The Hobby

From Ja Morant to LeBron James and Mickey Mantle, we’ve all seen how a few select cards seem to hog all the spotlight for most collectors. But look under the surface, and you’ll see there’s a lot more to collect and appreciate, whether you’re an NBA or MLB fan. Discover some of the greatest underrated hits of the hobby with this Giant Sports Cards guide.

The Most Undervalued Players In The Hobby

Francisco Lindor

Lindor is an interesting case if we’re looking at undervalued baseball cards. He’s a four-time All-Star shortstop for the Mets who has led his team to some of their hardest-fought victories, and yet he seems to be entirely overshadowed by more individualistic players like Ohtani and Soto.

We see that trend also play out in his Topps sports card values. Lindor’s 2015 PSA 10 rookie card still sells for around $240 despite his impressive performance on the field. This is thousands below the prices commanded by other, significantly less consistent players. Lindor’s 33 home runs and Gold Glove-level defense have put him on a Hall of Fame trajectory, and it remains to be seen whether he’ll stay one of the most undervalued players in the hobby.

José Ramírez

Guardians’ third baseman Ramírez hasn’t really generated the kind of hype we’ve seen with bigger stars like Mike Trout or Aaron Judge. He doesn’t fit the archetypal image of the modern baseball star for a few reasons:

• He hasn’t had a runaway MVP season since his debut in 2013.
• His performances as a batter have rarely landed him in the top 3 spot.
• At 5’9, his smaller size puts him at odds against the average player.

Despite all this, his cards are undoubtedly one of the most undervalued sports cards. His consistency (20 SB/30 HR seasons) put him right alongside some of the best players in the league, and yet his 2014 rookie card is still valued at only $180. He’s not just one of the most undervalued players in the hobby; he also has one of the most affordable, high-quality rookie cards.

Tim Duncan

Underrated stars are everywhere if we’re looking at basketball cards. MJ, Curry, and LeBron have largely dominated a space full of incredible underdogs, and Tim Duncan is right at the top of that list.

Duncan regularly comes up in conversations for ‘the most underrated athlete’ and as a consistent top 10 player. He made 15 All-NBA Defensive teams and 15 All-NBA during his 19-year career for the San Antonio Spurs, where he currently serves as assistant coach. He’s reserved and doesn’t play flashy, but his true shooting percentage rivals the likes of Kobe Bryant.

As one of the most undervalued players in the hobby, Tim Duncan’s 1997 Topps Chrome rookie card is currently priced at $303, while the PSA 9 is significantly more affordable at $71. If you appreciate basketball beyond the highlight reels, this is the one card your collection needs.

Edgar Martinez

Edgar Martinez has some of baseball's most undervalued sports cards. As a designated hitter for the Seattle Mariners, he didn’t really play in a position to get a lot of fanfare and popular acclaim despite his stellar career. His 1988 Fleer rookie card can currently be acquired for just $52, which is baffling for a player who has an award named after him.

Martinez’s career is a story of consistency. His .312 career batting average, seven All-Star performances, and 309 home runs make him a real elite player. Currently, collectors discount designated hitters and prefer to invest in dual threats and unproven rookies, which gives this card a lot of upside in future value.

Anthony Davis

Davis might not be what comes to mind when you think of the most undervalued players in the hobby. As a #1 pick and top 75 NBA player, he’s a 10-time NBA All-Star whose cards still seem to be overshadowed by contemporaries, like Kyrie Irving and, of course, LeBron James.

• Popular Bias: Collectors and the Panini basketball box market seem to be biased toward explosive point guards and fan favorites, like Luka Dončić. Despite putting up similar numbers, Davis’s 2012 Prizm card is valued at $351, while Dončić’s rookie card sits at $3.12 million (both PSA 10).
  

• Injury-Prone: Davis’s impressive numbers don’t change the fact that he is an injury-prone player. This has contributed significantly to his RC being one of the most undervalued sports cards.

At 32, with a current point average of 24.7, Davis is well on his way to a potential Hall of Fame title. His current card prices don’t reflect that potential, but this is the perfect time to buy into one of the most undervalued players in the hobby.

Find Your Next Hidden Gem

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