Introduction
Bobby Witt Jr. is a professional baseball player who currently serves as a shortstop for the Kansas City Royals in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on June 14, 2000, in Colleyville, Texas, he came from a baseball family and showed exceptional talent from a young age.
Early Career
Witt attended Colleyville Heritage High School, where he excelled in baseball, earning accolades such as the Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year in 2019. He was drafted second overall by the Kansas City Royals in the 2019 MLB Draft, foregoing his commitment to play at the University of Oklahoma.
Professional Achievements
Witt made his MLB debut on April 7, 2022, and quickly established himself as a key player for the Royals. By 2023, he became the first player in Royals history to achieve a 30-30 season (30 home runs and 30 stolen bases). In 2024, he was named an All-Star for the first time and signed an impressive 11-year contract extension worth $288.7 million with the Royals.
Career Highlights
- Drafted: 2nd overall in the 2019 MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals.
- MLB Debut: April 7, 2022.
- Notable Stats (2024): .332 batting average, 32 home runs, and 109 RBIs.
- Awards: Named to the All-Star Game in 2024; recognized for two consecutive 30-30 seasons.
Witt Jr.'s combination of power, speed, youth, and potential for growth, positions him as one of the brightest stars in baseball today.
Top 10 Bobby Witt Jr. Rookie Cards
10. 2022 Topps Now Bobby Witt Jr. Rookie Card #3
Description: The 2022 Topps Now Bobby Witt Jr. Rookie Card #3 is a significant collectible that marks an important moment in the young star's career. It has a print run of 20,907, making it relatively accessible for collectors while still maintaining a sense of exclusivity typical of Topps Now cards. The card features a vibrant design, showcasing Witt in his Kansas City Royals uniform, which resonates with fans and collectors alike. The imagery reflects his dynamic playing style and potential as a future star in the league. As Witt continues to develop into one of baseball's prominent figures, this card is likely to gain significance among collectors.
9. 2020 Bowman Draft Bobby Witt Jr. Rookie Card #BD152
Description: The 2020 Bowman Draft Bobby Witt Jr. Rookie Card #BD152 is a highly sought-after gem in the world of modern baseball cards. Featuring Bobby Witt Jr., one of the most promising young stars in MLB, this card showcases his talent during his early career days. The card boasts a sleek design with a crisp action shot of Witt, framed by Bowman’s signature aesthetic. Whether you’re a collector chasing prospects or a Kansas City Royals fan, this card is a cornerstone piece, reflecting Witt’s rise to stardom.
8. 2022 Topps Update Bobby Witt Jr. Rookie Card #US100
Description: The 2022 Topps Update Bobby Witt Jr. Rookie Card #US100 is a standout collectible for baseball enthusiasts and rookie card hunters alike. Featuring the Kansas City Royals' young superstar, this card commemorates Bobby Witt Jr.'s highly anticipated debut season in Major League Baseball. The design captures a vibrant action shot of Witt, paired with Topps’ timeless layout and crisp detailing. As part of the Update Series, this card marks a significant milestone in Witt's career and is a must-have for fans of his electrifying style of play.
7. 2021 Bowman’s Best Bobby Witt Jr. Rookie Card #15
Description: The 2021 Bowman's Best Bobby Witt Jr. Rookie Card #15 is a dazzling card that showcases the immense talent of one of baseball’s most exciting young stars. The card features a striking image of Witt in his Kansas City Royals uniform, showcasing his athleticism and potential as a future star. The glossy finish and colorful background enhance its visual appeal, making it a standout piece in any collection.
6. 2022 Topps Update Black Gold Bobby Witt Jr. Rookie Card #BG11
Description: The 2022 Topps Update Black Gold Bobby Witt Jr. Rookie Card #BG11 showcases a stunning design with a sleek black background that contrasts beautifully with vibrant gold accents. The image features Witt in his Kansas City Royals uniform, capturing his dynamic playing style and athleticism. The Black Gold series is known for its premium look, making this card visually striking. As a rookie card, #BG11 holds significant value for collectors looking to invest in emerging talent. Witt's status as a top prospect and his impressive performance in the majors enhance the card's desirability.
5. 2022 Topps Chrome Update Bobby Witt Jr. Rookie Card #USC35
Description: The 2022 Topps Chrome Update Bobby Witt Jr. Rookie Card #USC35 is particularly appealing to fans of the Kansas City Royals and those who appreciate high-quality rookie cards that celebrate new talent in baseball. The card features a striking chrome finish that enhances the visual appeal, showcasing Witt in his Kansas City Royals uniform. The reflective surface adds depth to the image, highlighting his dynamic playing style and athleticism. The modern design is characteristic of the Topps Chrome brand, making it visually appealing to fans and collectors alike.
4. 2022 Topps Chrome Bobby Witt Jr. Extended Short Print Rookie Card #221
Description: The 2022 Topps Chrome Bobby Witt Jr. Extended Short Print Rookie Card #221 is a rare gem that every serious collector dreams of owning. As part of the extended short print (SP) subset, this card features an exclusive and unique design, highlighting Bobby Witt Jr. during his debut MLB season with the Kansas City Royals. The card showcases a premium chrome finish with a crisp and vibrant image of Witt, making it a visually striking collectible. Its scarcity adds to its allure, as these SPs are harder to pull, making them highly desirable among hobbyists.
3. 2022 Topps Project 100 Bobby Witt Jr. By Lamour Supreme Rookie Card #39
Description: The 2022 Topps Project 100 Bobby Witt Jr. by Lamour Supreme Rookie Card #39 is a stunning fusion of modern baseball and high-end art, making it a must-have for collectors and fans alike. As part of the Topps Project 100 series, this card features a one-of-a-kind design created by renowned artist Lamour Supreme. The bold, vibrant artwork brings a unique, street-art-inspired interpretation of Bobby Witt Jr., blending the energy of the game with creative, graphic flair. This rookie card stands out not only for its artistic value but also for its limited availability, ensuring its place as a coveted item in any collection. The project’s collaboration with top artists elevates Witt Jr.’s status as a rising superstar, making this card not just a collectible but a piece of baseball art. A true showpiece, this card is perfect for both art enthusiasts and baseball fans who want to own a piece of the future of the game.
2. 2020 Bowman Chrome Prospects Bobby Witt Jr. Gold Refractor /50 Rookie Card #BCP25
Description: The 2020 Bowman Chrome Prospects Bobby Witt Jr. Gold Refractor /50 Rookie Card #BCP25 is an extraordinary collectible that stands out for both its rarity and its stunning visual appeal. As part of the highly coveted Bowman Chrome Prospects set, this Gold Refractor card features a limited edition of only 50 copies, making it a true treasure for serious collectors. The card showcases Bobby Witt Jr. in a vibrant, dynamic pose, with the rich gold refractor finish accentuating the brilliance of his potential as a future MLB star. The high-quality chrome design adds a sleek and modern touch, while the low serial number makes this card even more desirable. With only 50 copies in existence, this card offers an exclusive opportunity to own a piece of Witt Jr.’s journey from top prospect to future superstar. This Gold Refractor rookie card is a must-have addition to any serious collection, perfect for collectors seeking rarity, beauty, and investment potential.
1. 2020 Bowman Chrome Prospect Bobby Witt Jr. Auto Refractor /499 Rookie Card #CPA-BWJ
Description: The 2020 Bowman Chrome Prospect Bobby Witt Jr. Auto Refractor /499 Rookie Card #CPA-BWJ is a striking piece of memorabilia that captures the excitement of one of baseball's brightest young stars. As part of the prestigious Bowman Chrome Prospects series, this card features Bobby Witt Jr. in his highly anticipated rookie year. It is serial numbered to 499 copies and autographed, adding to its rarity and appeal. The Refractor finish enhances the image with a glossy, mirror-like shine, making the details of Witt Jr.’s action shot pop. Known for its top-tier design and quality, Bowman Chrome is one of the most sought-after sets for collectors, and this Refractor version elevates Witt Jr.'s rookie card to new heights. A key piece for collectors looking to invest in one of the game's future stars, this card blends rarity, beauty, and potential in a perfect collectible package. Whether you’re a Royals fan or a passionate prospect collector, this card is a must-have addition to your collection.
Evaluating Bobby Witt Jr. Rookie Cards Value
Evaluating the value of Bobby Witt Jr. rookie cards involves considering several factors that influence their market price.
Pricing as of 11/26/2024:
PSA
BGS
SGC & RAW
POP Counts as of 11/26/2024:
Here’s a breakdown of the key elements that determine the value of Witt Jr.’s rookie cards:
- Card Type and Brand
- Bowman Chrome & Bowman’s Best cards are highly regarded among collectors due to their association with top-tier baseball prospect sets. These cards, especially the refractors, gold, and other limited versions, often command higher values than standard base cards.
- Topps Chrome & Topps Update cards also hold strong value, especially those in mint condition or with special parallels like refractors, short prints, and autographs.
- Scarcity & Serial Numbers
- Limited Editions: Cards that are serial-numbered to a specific amount (e.g., /50, /99, /499) are much rarer and, therefore, more valuable. Gold Refractors, Refractors, Auto, and other rare parallels typically carry a premium over the standard base versions.
- Short Prints & Variations: Cards with unique images or designs (like short prints or special inserts) can carry higher demand due to their rarity.
- Condition & Grading
- PSA/BGS Graded Cards: The condition of the card is crucial. Cards that are graded PSA 10 (Gem Mint) or BGS 9.5 (Gem Mint) typically fetch the highest prices. Lower-grade cards (such as PSA 8 or below) will have much lower value, though they can still be valuable depending on the card's rarity.
- Surface Quality: Factors like centering, corners, edges, and surface quality play a role in the grading process and, ultimately, the card’s value.
- Market Trends & Demand
- Player Performance: The value of Bobby Witt Jr.’s cards is influenced by his performance on the field. As Witt Jr. continues to develop and establish himself as an MLB star, his rookie cards will likely increase in value, especially if he achieves significant milestones like All-Star appearances, MVPs, or Hall of Fame consideration.
- Collector Interest: Demand for Witt Jr.’s cards also depends on his popularity, fanbase, and general interest in collecting. High-profile players with large fanbases tend to have stronger market values.
- Historical Significance
- Legacy of the Card: As Witt Jr. establishes himself in Major League Baseball, his rookie cards will be more highly regarded by future generations of collectors. For example, his Bowman Chrome Rookie Cards from 2020 will be seen as foundational items in his career legacy.
Summary
In general, the 2020 Bowman Chrome Prospect Bobby Witt Jr. Rookie Cards, especially with parallels like Gold Refractors /50, and Refractors /499 are considered high-value collectibles. As Witt Jr.'s MLB career progresses, demand for his rookie cards is likely to increase, particularly for those in excellent condition or with rare features. Tracking the player’s growth and the overall market trends will be key for determining the long-term value of these cards.