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It’s now the end of February, which means we are finally getting baseball back. With baseball’s return, we have the chance to look at new roster changes, upcoming prospects, and even veteran players in the league. It also gives fans an opportunity to pick up cards of players they believe could have a breakout year in 2025. Whether it’s an established player or a younger prospect looking to make a name for themselves, this is the time of year to start keeping an eye on these players. This list includes players who don’t have the best history with injuries, but if they can stay healthy, they could all be in the MVP conversation this year.
3. Ronald Acuña Jr.
In my opinion, this is a perfect time to start buying Ronald Acuna Jr. cards. Acuña is coming off an ACL tear last year in May against the Pittsburgh Pirates and plans on making his return shortly after Opening Day as he continues recovering from his surgery. A lot of people are hesitant about him after his two big injuries, but it could be the perfect time to start buying his cards. The reason why I think he’s someone to watch is because we already know what he’s capable of, especially when coming off an injury. The first full season he was healthy, he put up 40 home runs and 70 stolen bases (which is the only person to ever join the 40-70 club). If he’s able to stay healthy, I don’t see any reason why he wouldn’t be in the MVP discussion this year. Don’t be surprised if Acuña starts the first half of the 2025 season off slow, and puts together an exciting second half. Right now, a PSA 10 2018 Topps Chrome Base Ronald Acuña Jr. goes for around the $50 mark.
2. Jasson Dominguez
Since the Yankees signed Jasson Domínguez in 2019, fans have been waiting for him to make a splash in the Bronx. Could this finally be the year they get the exciting outfielder they’ve been waiting for? In 18 games last season, the 22-year-old posted a .179 batting average with two home runs and four RBIs, but that sample size is too small to judge him on. However, in 53 Triple-A games, he put up an impressive .325 batting average with seven home runs and 35 RBIs. We know he can hit in the minor leagues—now we just need to see if he can translate that success to the majors.
If Domínguez has even a half-decent season in the Yankees’ outfield, I could see him winning Rookie of the Year and his card prices doubling. Keep a close eye on him this season; if he starts hot, his cards will be flying off the shelves. With the potential for a breakout year, now might be the perfect time to pick up his cards before his market explodes. Expect to pay around $30 for a PSA 10 2024 Topps Chrome Base Jasson Domínguez before his first full season begins.
1. Royce Lewis
Royce Lewis is my favorite player on this list because of how electric he is when he’s healthy and playing every day. Although he has only played 152 games since 2022, during those games, he put up really strong numbers. In 2023, he played 58 games and posted a .309 batting average with 15 home runs and 52 RBIs. His 2024 season lasted a bit longer, as he played 82 games and continued putting up solid numbers before getting injured again. Since being drafted in 2017, 26-year-old Royce Lewis has experienced extreme highs and lows. His career has been plagued by injuries, but when he’s on the field, he produces at a high level. I think Lewis will start the year off hot, just as he has in previous seasons, and if he manages to stay healthy all year, he’ll be right in the MVP conversation alongside Acuña. A PSA 10 2022 Topps Chrome Update Base Royce Lewis sells for around $40. According to PSA.com, there have only been 40 submissions of his base rookie Chrome card, with just eight receiving a Gem Mint 10 grade.
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