Looking to find those early rookie cards of this years potential young stars? 2020 Topps Series 1 is newly available on the COMC Marketplace! In this article we will look at some of the big name rookies and a few we think have a chance to make a big splash this season.
Yordan Alvarez – Card #276
The obvious player to look for in this year’s Topps Series 1 is Yordan Alvarez. Coming off a 2019 campaign where he was deemed the American League Rookie of the Year. In only 87 games for the Houston Astros, he cranked 27 home runs and batted in 78 runs. With an OPS over 1.000, its safe to say Alvarez is one to watch. The one downside of his game is the number of strikeouts, he will have to try to limit those this upcoming 2020 season.
Aristides Aquino – Card #20
Although a little older than the average rookie, Aristides Aquino has a lot of tools to like. He stands at 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 220 pounds. That’s a lot of potential power and he showed that when he knocked in 19 homeruns in only 56 games played for the Cincinatti Reds. Although he did not hit for a great average, .259, it was a serviceable number and now having a full off season, he should be able to bump it up.
Bo Bichette – Card #78
Bo Bichette did not have your typical rookie issues when it came to getting on base, as he averaged .311 at the plate. At 21 years of age, Bichette has already shown he could be a special shortstop. In the 46 games he appeared in, Bo had 61 hits, stole 4 bases and accounted for 32 runs for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Gavin Lux – Card #292
Gavin does not have as large of a sample size as the rest of the guys mentioned on this list, but he has a lot of tools. He can play both shortstop and second base which makes he a nice versatile piece that the Los Angeles Dodgers can use. Lux is one of the younger guys to have seen some big-league time as he is just 21 years old. With the Dodgers a clear front runner to represent the NL in the World Series, there is a lot to like with this kid.
Nico Hoerner – Card #70
With the loss of Russell Addison, Nico Hoerner has a lot of opportunity to showcase his talent this upcoming season. Don’t be surprised if we see him in the starting lineup after the end of this spring training. A rookie of Nico’s caliber could be just the rejuvenation the cubs need to turn it around from their 3rd place finish in the NL Central in 2019.
Trent Grisham – Card #9
Trent Grisham, formerly known at Trent Clark, was the 15th overall pick in the 2015 draft. Although he has not been explosive like one would assume a first-round pick would be, he has been a solid player so far in his 51 major league games. Also noteworthy is the fact he just turned 23 a few months ago, and he should slot in nicely on an already stacked Milwaukee Brewers team.
Kyle Lewis – Card #64
Kyle Lewis was also put on this list for his small sample size. He was the 11th overall pick in the 2016 draft, and he showed why at the end of last season. In only 18 games with the Seattle Mariners, Lewis belted 6 homeruns, 13 RBIs and accounted for another 10 runs himself. One thing to keep an eye on with Lewis is the amount of strikeouts, but the Mariners should do a good job protecting him in the lineup as the youth movement in Seattle is all about patience.
That’s going to do it for our list, but now we want to hear from you! Let us know in the comments below which rookies you’ll be stashing from 2020 Topps Series 1? Who do you think will stand out as the top rookie in the set? We’d love to hear your thoughts, and we’ll see you again for Series 2 later this year!
Grisham was traded to the Padres