Juan Soto Rookie Card Market Guide

Since his breakout rookie year, Juan Soto has quickly become one of the MLB's batting leaders, as well as an outstanding defensive player in the outfield. In 2015, the Dominican-born Soto signed as an international free agent with the Washington Nationals when he was only 16 years old. In 2016, he began his pro career with their rookie affiliate, the Gulf Coast League Nationals, where he recorded a .368 batting average and was named the GCL's MVP. Since his move up to the big leagues, he’s been one of the most exciting young players in baseball, but how does that translate to Soto’s rookie cards and their values?

From Minor League MVP to Major League Phenom

On May 20, 2018, Juan Soto made his MLB debut as a pinch-hitter for Washington, becoming the youngest player in the majors (19 years, 207 days). The next day, during his first MLB game as a starter, he hit a 422-foot home run, becoming the youngest player in the franchise's history to hit a homer. A month later, Soto hit multiple home runs during games and became the youngest player in MLB history to steal three bases in a single game.

By the end of the season, Soto had posted the most multi-homerun games (3) by a teenager in league history. He also became the MLB's only teenager to walk more than 60 times in a single season and to record an on-base percentage greater than .400. As a result of these numbers, Soto was runner-up for the NL Rookie of the Year title (which was won by Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr.).

Soto started 2019 on a high note, becoming just the fourth MLB player to post 100 extra-base hits before turning 21. Thanks in part to Soto's powerhouse hitting, the Nationals went on to win the National League Championship Series and the World Series (against the Houston Astros), both firsts for the franchise. Throughout the Series, Soto led the team in homers, hits, walks and scoring runs and was chosen as the co-winner (along with Stephen Strasburg) of the 2019 Babe Ruth Award as postseason MVP.

In 2020, Soto became the National League's youngest player in history to win the NL batting title, with a regular-season average of .351. He also won his first Silver Slugger Award and was chosen to the All-MLB First Team.

The following year, Soto was chosen (as a reserve) for the 2021 All-Star Game. Throughout the season, he led the majors in walk percentages (22.2 percent, and 23 percent intentional). He finished the year with his second NL Silver Slugger Award and was runner-up for the NL MVP Award (losing to Bryce Harper).

Trade to the Padres

In August 2022, Soto was traded to the San Diego Padres. During the 152 games he played for the Nationals and the Padres that season, he achieved a .244 batting average, posting an impressive 27 home runs and 62 RBIs. Percentage-wise, he also swung at fewer pitches thrown outside the strike zone than any other hitter in the MLB. During the 2022 season, Soto also became the 27th MLB player in history to post 100 home runs before the age of 24.

Soto is still young, with presumably many years left in his pro career. With such a hot start to his MLB career, expectations are high for the outfielder. However, if he continues to grow as a player and puts up consistent numbers for years to come, Soto could be on the way to a Hall of Fame career.

Are Juan Soto Rookie Cards Valuable?

Since Juan Soto was called up to the majors late during the 2018 season, he is not included in many of the 2018 MLB card sets. Likewise, many of Soto's rookie issues were printed in extremely limited editions. Because of these factors, certain Soto cards are scarce and difficult to find. If demand continues to rise, prices should rise as well.

Investment Potential for Juan Soto Rookie Cards

Soto is a solid hitter with an already proven track record for durability. If he continues on this career trajectory, he will be an All-Star caliber player for years to come. This could increase the investment potential for his rookie cards, especially if he continues to play at this level.

Top Juan Soto Rookie Cards

Here's a look at seven of the most popular and valuable Juan Soto rookie cards:

2018 Topps Triple Threads Rookie Autographs #RA-JS Juan Soto - #’d/99 ($22,000)

This attractive card features an action shot of Juan Soto in the moments following a hit at the plate. Set against a shimmering silver background, the card is topped off by a bold signature in blue ink. It is available in several parallels, including a shimmering gold that is limited to 25 copies.

At PriceGuide.Cards, Ungraded copies trend at an average price of $640 and a top price of $22,000. Graded trends at an average price of $578 and a top price of $1,950.

2016 Bowman Chrome Prospects Autographs #CPA-JS Juan Soto ($13,650)

This pre-rookie classic is one of Soto's most highly sought-after cards, partly because of the gritty look of unbridled determination on Soto's face as he stands on the field. The bold signature on the bottom adds to its appeal as well.

At PriceGuide.Cards, Ungraded trends at an average price of $540, with a top price of $7,766. Graded trends at an average price of $1,782 and a top price of $13,650.

2018 Topps Dynasty Autographed Patch #AP-JSO1 Juan Soto - #’d/10 ($8,000)

This rare, high-end offering from Topps was actually printed in three different versions, each with a print run of only 10. Each card features an action image of Soto next to an embedded game-used patch. To add to the value, there's a bold signature across the front of the card.

PriceGuide.Cards: Version 1, Ungraded, trends at an average price of $1,190 and a top price of $8,000. Graded trends at an average price of $2,156 and a top price of $7,375 (grades unspecified). Version 3 in Ungraded condition trends at an average price of $1,015 and a top price of $1,300.

2018 Panini Flawless Diamond #20 Juan Soto - #’d/20 ($4,999)

This classy card features an eye-catching image of Soto at bat, set against a white, silver and gold background with a tiny diamond embedded below. The Diamond version is limited to only 20 copies, while other gemstone variants are even more limited.

At PriceGuide.Cards, Ungraded trends at an average price of $1,052 and a top price of $4,999. Graded trends at $1,802 (grades unspecified).

2018 National Treasures Rookie Materials Signatures #64 Juan Soto - #’d/75 ($4,999)

This premium card from the popular high-end National Treasures series features a photo of Soto at bat, flanked by a large, embedded game-used patch, along with an autograph below his image at the bottom left. With only a run of 75 copies, this card is always in demand.

At PriceGuide.Cards, Ungraded trends at an average price of $512 and a top price of $4,999. Graded trends at an average price of $1,125 and a top price of $2,525 (grades unspecified).

2016 Bowman International Ink #II-JS Juan Soto ($3,150)

This early pre-rookie card has great appeal with collectors because of the youthful photo of Soto, wearing a grin as he confidently faces the camera in a press conference setting. The card is topped off with the Nationals logo at the top left and the classic Bowman logo at the bottom right.

At PriceGuide.Cards, Ungraded trends at an average price of $14 and a top price of $2,025. Graded trends at an average price of $88 and a top price of $3,150 (grades unspecified).

SportsCardsPro shows Ungraded trending at $8, Grade 7 at $21, Grade 8 at $22 and Grade 9 at $31. Grade 9.5 trends at $152, and Gem Mint at $220.

2018 Topps Five Star Autographs #FSA-JSO Juan Soto ($2,502)

This gem features an action shot of Soto, set against a silvery-white background and framed in Art-Deco graphics. The on-card signature helps to make this one of Soto's most valuable rookie cards.

At PriceGuide.Cards, Ungraded trends at an average price of $256 and a top price of $1,857. Graded trends at an average price of $657 and a top price of $2,502.

SportsCardsPro shows Ungraded trending at $1,581 Grade 9 at $1,312 and Grade 9.5 at $1,443.

Where Can I Find Juan Soto Rookie Cards?

You can find Juan Soto rookie sports cards at sports memorabilia stores and online auction sites throughout the country. Here are some of the top auction sites for historic sports items and memorabilia:

• eBay
• Lelands
• Sotheby's
• PWCC
• Christie's
• Sotheby's
• Memory Lane
• Invaluable
• EBTH
• Heritage Auctions
• SCP Auctions

Another option is sports memorabilia shows, which are held nationwide throughout the year. To find a show coming to your city, you can check local newspaper listings, as well as collector forums and social media sites.

How Are Juan Soto Rookie Cards Graded?

In card grading, appraisers use a numeric grading system that is universally recognized across the sports card trading industry. This system uses scores ranging from Raw to Perfect 10. Here's how it works:

Perfect 10: Absolute best, and flawless at up to 10x magnification. A Perfect 10 card scores Gem Mint ratings across all four criteria: centering, corners, edges and surface.

Gem Mint: A 10 overall, with Gem Mint scores almost all across the board. This card may have an imperceptible flaw that keeps it from getting Gem Mint on one of the four criteria.

Grade 9.5: Nearly Gem Mint, but with a very minor production or condition issue.

Grade 9: Excellent condition, with a very minor issue or two.

Grades 8 and below: These cards are affected in varying degrees by manufacturing flaws and/or condition issues and wear, and are valued accordingly.

Raw: Newly removed from an original package.

Ungraded: Not graded.

Sports card values are determined by three prime factors: condition, rarity and collector demand. Rarity and condition can be easily assessed, but collector demand is a unique variable that can cause prices to spike or plummet, depending on a variety of circumstances.

Because of collector demand (or the lack of it), a rare, Gem Mint card may sell for low prices, while a lesser grade card produced in much higher numbers may sell for significantly more. Collector interest can increase if an athlete is having a breakout year, or if they've been elected to the Hall of Fame. Likewise, collector interest can quickly fade if an athlete's season isn't up to par. Online auctions can cause prices to skyrocket as well, especially when there are bidding wars over high-demand cards.

In the end, considering all the variables of collecting, it's always best to buy cards that you love and plan to keep for the foreseeable future. And since condition plays such a big part in values, it is also best to buy the most pristine cards that you can afford.

Should I Get My Sports Cards Graded?

Professional grading will give your cards a certified quality rating, and will also ensure their authenticity. If you're ever planning to sell or trade your cards, grading can be beneficial, because graded cards are often easier to sell, and can even fetch higher prices than their Ungraded counterparts.

During the grading process, an expert appraiser will examine each of your cards for any issues that might detract from their value, including production flaws and wear. After your cards are graded, the information is filed in an international database that's kept as a permanent record.

Even if you choose not to sell your cards, grading can help enhance the quality of your collection. When your cards are professionally graded, you can take pride in owning a collection that's been certified by experts as genuine, with a quality rating that's universally recognized throughout the industry. For further information on CSG's 10-point Grading Scale and to find out more about our industry-leading services, visit CSGcards.com.

*Any mention of "investment potential" is for entertainment only and should not be construed as investment advice. The Certified Collectibles Group does not provide investment advice and is not liable for any buy, sell or trade decisions made by any parties.