THE GOAL – I am going to pick 10 players to invest in this month, January 2025, with the goal of selling them by the All Star game in 2025 and doubling my total investment.
I will document all buys in a spreadsheet and make it available if and when we launch our Guranteed Sports Card Profits Course. Make no mistake about this, I am gambling on these players compared to most systems and process we teach. I like to think I am making very educated, informed strategic buys. Make no mistake these are what I consider speculative buys, and all of these cards could degrease in value. However I am playing with “the houses money” and not my grocery money.
Yes, I make impulsive buys, by in general I like to follow specific systems, and strategically invest in baseball cards. For this system, I am going to focus on strategically investing in rookies from the past couple of years. These cards will be listed in no particular order accept my number one pick, is my #1 pick. Michale Harris from the Atlanta Braves. The rookie card(s) I will be focused on are his 2023 Topps Chrome MICHAEL HARRIS II Autographed Rookies. Yes, I follow the Braves, and consider myself a Cincinnati Reds fan 1st and a Braves fan 2nd. But this is not a homer pick, I think his numbers speak for themselves.
Michael Harris II has quickly established himself as one of the brightest young talents in Major League Baseball, with his electrifying play both at the plate and in the field. The center fielder for the Atlanta Braves made an immediate impact upon his debut in 2022, winning the National League Rookie of the Year award. In 2023, Harris built on that success, earning a Gold Glove for his stellar defensive work, where his speed and range in the outfield became a key asset for the Braves.
Offensively, he showcased impressive power and speed, finishing the season with a .295 batting average, 20 home runs, and 70 RBIs, alongside 30 stolen bases. Harris’ ability to change the game with his bat, glove, and baserunning made him a key contributor to Atlanta’s potent lineup, helping lead the Braves to the top of the NL East and deep into the postseason.
Michael missed over 50 games in the 2024 season with a hamstring injury. On his return to the line-up after the injury, he hit a grand slam in his first at-bat after missing nearly two months, helping the Atlanta Braves rout the San Francisco Giants 13-2 on a Wednesday night in San Francisco.
Harris has hit .285 with 53 homers, 50 steals and a .794 OPS over 362 games through three seasons. He finished one home run shy of a 20-20 season during his rookie year and two homers shy in 2023, but he compiled just 16 homers and 10 steals last season. With the hamstring issue behind him, Harris certainly could bid for a 20-20 season and maybe even a 30-30 campaign this year.
His continued growth in all aspects of the game suggests he’s not only a cornerstone for Atlanta’s future but also one of the most exciting all-around players in baseball.

My #2 pick is Corbin Carroll There are players that I like for long-term investments like Elly, Bobby Whit, Gunner and others, but there cards have appreciated quite a bit and Corbins have dropped. My gut feeling is that the talent gap between Corbin Carol and these other players that debuted over the past couple of years may not be as far apart as many collectors think.
Corbin Carroll’s rookie season in 2023 was nothing short of spectacular, establishing him as one of the brightest young stars in Major League Baseball. The outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks burst onto the scene with a potent combination of speed, power, and plate discipline. Carroll hit .282 with 25 home runs, 76 RBIs, and an impressive 54 stolen bases, showcasing his dynamic skill set. His ability to impact the game both offensively and defensively helped propel the Diamondbacks into the postseason, where he continued to shine under pressure. With his smooth swing, exceptional baserunning, and solid glove, Carroll quickly earned recognition as a candidate for National League Rookie of the Year, embodying the promise of a long and successful career at the highest level.
Corbin Carroll’s 2024 season was a tale of two halves, with the first half marked by unexpected struggles that tested his resilience. After a breakout rookie year, expectations were high, but Carroll faced a tough start to the season, hitting just .220 through the first three months, with his usual speed and power seemingly absent. Pitchers adjusted to him, and he found himself battling to make consistent contact.
However his sophomore slump didn’t last long. The young outfielder showed incredible maturity and work ethic, making adjustments as the season wore on. By the second half, Carroll rediscovered his rhythm, becoming one of the league’s most dynamic players down the stretch. He finished the season with a .276 average, 32 home runs, and 85 RBIs, with his trademark speed returning as he swiped 40 bags. His strong finish helped propel the Diamondbacks into the postseason, and Carroll’s late-season surge demonstrated his ability to overcome adversity and solidify his place as one of the premier talents in the game. As a collector I have much respect for young players who can hit a slump, and then get back on track so Corbin Carroll is my number two pick.
I will probably focus on his 2024 Topps Series 1 Corbin Carroll Topps Rookie Cup cards. I may pick up an auto for my personal collection, but again the goal is to sell these pick ups and make 50% ROI.

My #3 pick is Evan Carter Evan Carter’s 2023 season with the Texas Rangers was a breakout year that solidified him as one of the top young prospects in baseball. After making his MLB debut, Carter wasted no time making an impact, showcasing his advanced plate discipline, smooth swing, and impressive defensive skills. The 21-year-old outfielder posted a solid .276 batting average, with 12 home runs and 56 RBIs in just over 100 games, all while demonstrating an ability to get on base at a high clip. His mature approach at the plate was highlighted by his ability to work deep counts and limit strikeouts, and he showed the knack for coming through in clutch moments. Carter’s defensive prowess in center field was equally impressive, with his speed and instincts allowing him to cover vast amounts of ground and make highlight-reel catches. His all-around game played a key role in helping the Rangers clinch a playoff spot, and with a bright future ahead, Carter quickly became one of the most exciting young players in the game.
I was high on Evan going into the 2024 season. He is my 2025 bounce back player pick. Evan Carter’s 2024 season with the Texas Rangers was marred by injuries, preventing him from fully showcasing his immense talent. Carter still managed to make a significant impact when healthy, contributing to the Rangers’ lineup in key moments. The frustrating year of physical setbacks, however, limited his ability to build momentum and reach his full potential, leaving fans and the team hopeful for a healthier and more consistent 2025 season. His talent remains undeniable, but 2024 will likely be remembered as a year of “what could have been” for the promising outfielder.
I have not decided if I am going to focus on his Topps Chrome autographed rookies or his paper rookies. Maybe it will be a combination of both. He had an impressive World-Series run in 2023 and the Rangers are going to be good with a solid fan base, so he will be one of the 10 players I am going to focus on.

#4 Hunter Green All-Star Hunter Greene’s career has been a thrilling ride of raw talent and untapped potential, with his electric arm making him one of the most exciting young pitchers in Major League Baseball. After being selected by the Cincinnati Reds as the second overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, Greene quickly rose through the minors, known for his blazing fastball that regularly touches 100 mph. He made his MLB debut in 2022, immediately making an impact with his velocity and dynamic stuff.
Over the years, Greene has become known for his strikeout ability, regularly fanning hitters with his overpowering fastball and devastating slider. Despite some struggles with consistency and injuries, including a notable bout with elbow discomfort in 2023, Greene’s potential has remained undeniable. He has delivered some dominant outings, including a 2023 season where he struck out over 200 batters, and his performances on the mound have helped the Reds contend in the NL Central. Still young and with a high ceiling, Greene’s career is poised to reach even greater heights as he continues to develop his arsenal and refine his command. With his electric arm and determination, Greene is widely seen as a future ace for the Reds and one of the most promising pitchers in baseball.

#5 Triston Casas 2025 could be the year where Casas breaks the 40 home run barrier and receive some hobby love. Triston Casas has quickly emerged as a cornerstone of the Boston Red Sox’s future, showcasing his power, patience, and solid defensive abilities since making his MLB debut. Drafted by the Red Sox in the first round of the 2018 MLB Draft, Casas steadily worked his way through the farm system before getting called up in 2022.
Known for his imposing 6’5″ frame, the first baseman immediately impressed with his keen eye at the plate, drawing walks and consistently getting on base. His power potential became apparent in 2023 when he launched 30 home runs and drove in 80 RBIs while hitting .265, quickly becoming a key middle-of-the-order bat for Boston. Casas also demonstrated growth in his defense at first base, earning praise for his footwork and ability to handle tough throws. His blend of power, discipline, and defensive reliability has made him a fan favorite and one of the top young sluggers in the American League. With the ability to hit for both average and power, Casas is set to be a key player for the Red Sox for years to come, offering hope for a bright future in Boston.

#6 Jackson Holliday Jackson needs no introduction to collectors. He has probably been the most hyped player over the past couple of years. To say his major league production has been underwhelming is a major understatement. He has looked overmatched for most of his rookie campaign. Because of his pedigree, his father is former major leaguer Roy Holliday and the initial hype around his cards, it is not going to take much of a performance for his cards to take off again.
His cards have taken a beating, if his bat shows some life during the first part of 2025 I expect his cards to increase. I am probably going to buy quantities of his paper cards in the $2.00 range, I think they can go to four or five dollars quickly. If he bombs and is sent back to the minors again, it could be a long time before he returns

.
#7 Riley Green Riley Greene’s baseball career has been one of rapid ascension, with the young outfielder quickly establishing himself as a key piece of the Detroit Tigers’ rebuild. After being selected by the Tigers with the fifth overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, Greene showcased his elite bat-to-ball skills, advanced plate discipline, and impressive athleticism as he worked through the minors.
His MLB debut in 2022 was highly anticipated, and Greene did not disappoint, flashing his potential with his smooth swing and ability to make consistent contact. Over the next few seasons, Greene continued to develop into one of the most promising young outfielders in the league. In 2023, he hit .289 with 20 home runs and 70 RBIs, while stealing 15 bases and providing solid defense in center field. Greene’s well-rounded game—combined with his maturity at the plate and defensive versatility—has made him a cornerstone for the Tigers’ future, a dynamic presence at the top of their lineup, and a player to watch as he continues to grow into one of the game’s most exciting talents.

#8 Ezekiel Tovar Ezekiel Tovar has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting young shortstops in Major League Baseball, showcasing both his defensive prowess and offensive potential since making his debut with the Colorado Rockies. After being hailed as one of the top prospects in the Rockies’ system, Tovar made his MLB debut in 2022 and immediately began to impress with his smooth fielding, quick reflexes, and strong arm.
His defense at shortstop quickly became one of his standout attributes, earning him praise as one of the best young gloves in the game. Offensively, Tovar demonstrated solid bat-to-ball skills, showing the ability to hit for both average and power. In 2023, he hit .290 with 18 home runs, 74 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases, solidifying his role as a key piece in the Rockies’ lineup. His patience at the plate, combined with his ability to drive the ball to all fields, made him a consistent threat. At just 22 years old, Tovar has already established himself as a cornerstone for the Rockies, blending elite defense with emerging offensive firepower, and he looks poised for a bright future as one of the top shortstops in the league.

#9 Pete Crow Armstrong This pick is based upon the fact that I think the Cubs are going to be better in 2025 and Cubs collectors, love their Cubs. Why Pete Crow Armstrong? His price is cheap. He’s an exciting player. he’s really young and he got much better as the season went forward last year. He had a lot of hype early in the year, at the time of this writing, you can get a PSA 10 of his Chrome Auto for under 40 bucks.
Pete Crow-Armstrong has quickly become one of the most exciting young players in the Chicago Cubs organization, known for his elite defense, high baseball IQ, and steadily developing bat. Drafted by the New York Mets in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft, Crow-Armstrong was traded to the Cubs in 2021 as part of the deal for Javier Báez. The outfielder quickly showcased his remarkable tools, especially his glove, with scouts lauding his range, instincts, and above-average arm strength in center field. Crow-Armstrong’s offensive game has steadily improved as well, as he’s shown the ability to hit for average while tapping into his power and speed potential. In 2023, he posted strong numbers at Double-A and Triple-A, batting around .280 with double-digit home runs and stolen bases.
His advanced approach at the plate, combined with his outstanding defensive abilities, made him one of the top prospects in the Cubs’ system. As of 2024, Crow-Armstrong is widely regarded as a future centerpiece for the Cubs, poised to make a significant impact at the big-league level with his blend of skills, work ethic, and potential for both offensive and defensive dominance.

#10 Tyler Stephenson This is a homer pick because I am a huge Cincinnati Reds fan, and I think they are going to be much improved in 2025. Honestly Tyler is the best looking catcher I have seen since, dare I say it …..Johnny Bench.
Tyler Stephenson has been a key figure in the Cincinnati Reds’ lineup since making his MLB debut in 2020, combining strong offensive production with reliable defense behind the plate. Known for his mature approach to hitting, Stephenson has developed into one of the most consistent catchers in the National League. His power bat and ability to hit for average make him a dynamic threat in the middle of the order, and he has shown the ability to drive in runs and get on base with impressive regularity. Despite battling a few injuries over the years, including concussion issues, Stephenson has maintained a solid presence on both sides of the ball.
Behind the plate, he has earned recognition for his pitch-calling skills, game management, and defensive steadiness, with a strong arm that allows him to control the running game. In 2023, Stephenson played a key role in the Reds’ resurgence, posting a .283 average with 18 home runs and 67 RBIs while continuing to handle a young pitching staff with poise. As the Reds’ everyday catcher, Stephenson has emerged as a leader in the clubhouse and one of the cornerstones of their rebuilding efforts, offering both power and stability behind the plate. With a bright future ahead, he remains a vital piece of the Reds’ long-term plans.

I will document all buys in a spreadsheet and make it available if and when we launch our Guranteed Sports Card Profits Course