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The wait is over. The 2025 MLB Wild Card is here, and as teams fight for a spot in the next round, the sports card market is heating up right alongside them.
At Ludex, we have been tracking some of the biggest risers in the card market heading into the Wild Card round. These are the players making noise both on the field and in the hobby.
American League Wild Card Spotlight
José Ramírez (Guardians)
Ramírez has been locked in at the plate and his 2014 Topps Chrome X-Fractor PSA Gem Mint 10 is climbing fast. It moved from 330 dollars in July to 510 dollars in late September. His Ludex scan activity is also up 41%.
Tarik Skubal (Tigers)
The Tigers lefty has been one of the most reliable arms in baseball this year. His 2021 Topps Chrome Refractor in PSA 10 condition rose from 175 dollars to 206 dollars in under a month and he has now broken into the Ludex Top 100 trending cards. His Ludex scan activity is up 22%.
Aroldis Chapman (Red Sox)
The veteran closer is proving he still thrives under the spotlight. His 2011 Topps Diamond Anniversary rookie card in PSA Gem Mint 10 condition jumped from 26 dollars to 64 dollars in September. His Ludex scans were up a staggering 110%.
Aaron Judge (Yankees)
Judge continues to be one of the safest investments in the hobby. His 2017 Topps Chrome rookie card in PSA 10 condition gained value from 280 dollars to 310 dollars in the last month. His scans are also up 3%, which actually says a lot considering he’s one of the most scanned athletes on the Ludex App.
National League Wild Card Spotlight
Manny Machado (Padres)
Machado remains one of the most consistent stars in baseball. His 2013 Topps Chrome Orange Refractor rose from 345 dollars to 399 dollars as San Diego pushed into the postseason picture.
Nico Hoerner (Cubs)
One of the biggest surprises in the market comes from Chicago. Hoerner’s 2020 Topps Chrome Rookie Autographs card skyrocketed from 25 dollars to 76 dollars in just over a month. That 86 percent increase has him moving into the Top 100 trending list.
Elly De La Cruz (Reds)
The Reds shortstop is one of the most exciting young players in the game and his card prices show it. His 2024 Topps Chrome Cosmic Stars in the Night rookie card in PSA 10 condition has climbed from 160 dollars to 199 dollars, making him a popular postseason buy. His Ludex scans are up 18% as well.
Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers)
Ohtani continues to be the face of the hobby. His 2018 Topps Chrome pitching rookie card in PSA 10 condition rose from 250 dollars to 279 dollars this September and remains one of the most in-demand cards in the world. His Ludex scans are up 4%.
The Bottom Line
The MLB postseason creates legends on the field and it also creates them in the hobby. Collectors are jumping on rising names as players deliver under the pressure of October.
The Wild Card is underway, the cards are heating up, and the chase for both trophies and market momentum is officially here.
Stay up to date with the MLB Postseason schedule to follow the games. And if you want to learn about other card price changes happening in the hobby but this time in the NFL, check out our blog on the Top 3 NFL Card Increases After Week 3.
The Ludex app is here to help you track and manage your trading card collection. Click HERE to download the Ludex mobile app for FREE!
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