I rarely got into following baseball until this year, mainly because I am so caught up in the Topps Bunt app. After watching the games all year, and the power hitters on display last night, I couldnt help but feel that many of these young stars are pretty under appreciated. So much in baseball value is determined by age and team the players represent, that it is almost prohibitive to buy anyone who isnt a superstar.

Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins

Last night, he easily hit the ball further than anyone has ever hit in Target field. The shot was an estimated 500+ feet, and looked like it might leave the park. Sure, its bascially BP, but its a national stage, and Stanton has done nothing but mash the ball this year. His cards are pretty easy to come by because of how much he has signed, but playing in Miami doesnt help. Unless you are Dan Marino or play for the Miami Heat, florida collecting is pretty much a black hole of despair.

2012 Topps Five Star Giancarlo Stanton Inscription Auto

2010 Topps Chrome Giancarlo Stanton Auto RC

2009 Bowman Chrome Giancarlo Stanton Auto RC

Yoenis Cespedes, Oakland A’s

Another player signed directly into the Minor leagues from Cuba, Cespedes has been a huge addition to a dominant As team over the last few years. His cards should be pretty expensive by standards set by other sports, but like Stanton, he has flown well below that situation.

2012 Topps Chrome Yoenis Cespedes Gold Refractor Auto RC

2012 Topps Finest Yoenis Cespedes Jumbo Relic Auto

Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies

Another team with not many collectors, Tulo has been one of the best NL shortstops over the last five years. Power, speed and fielding are all in his wheelhouse, and he is frequently overlooked because he plays for a team that hasnt been around that long. He has been one of the only players that can be truly recognized as the face of this team other than Todd Helton.

2007 Exquisite Troy Tulowitzki / Derek Jeter Dual Auto

2014 Topps Tier One Troy Tulowitzki Jumbo Patch Auto

Adam Jones, Baltimore Orioles

Since being called up for good, Jones has been great by just about every standard. Great in the field, great at the plate, power numbers through the roof, all around talent. All that being said, he has been relatively overlooked in favor of guys like Manny Machado, who seem to have the same level of talent. Surprised people havent caught on.

2003 Upper Deck Prospect Adam Jones RC Auto

2013 Topps Five Star Adam Jones Auto Patch

Justin Morneau, Colorado Rockies

This is a homer write-up, I know, as Morneau was the MVP of the AL for the Twins back in the mid 2000s. Due to a concussion, he fell off in production sharply over the last few years, leading the Twins to trade him to the Pirates, before he signed with Colorado in the offseason. He has had no value in the hobby since the start, and that is even with his unlikely MVP win. Joe Mauer has always been the guy in MN, and Morneau has always played second fiddle.

2001 Bowman Justin Morneau Auto RC

2001 Finest Justin Morneau Auto RC

Again, let me frame this in terms of other sports, as Baseball is practically a different world. Potential dictates value in combination with Team and College affiliation, where in Baseball, you literally have to be an MVP to have any high end value on a consistent basis. Maybe that’s why I have moved so far away from this and into a more high end friendly sport like Football. I just dont get it.