If you havent been following along with Spring Training, you are missing some fireworks set off by the newest rookie phenom Kris Bryant of the Chicago Cubs. Hitting home run after home run has made a significant statement as the Cubs battle their way to opening day. As someone who has been among the top prospects in the league for a number of years, collectors have been on the bandwagon for a while. However, since the bombardment began, his prices have gone through the roof. Even his non autograph base refractors are going for nutso prices.

Check out some of these ridiculous prices:

2013 Bowman Chrome Kris Bryant Orange Refractor Auto /25

2014 Bowman Chrome Kris Bryant Auto RC

2014 National Treasures Kris Bryant Silhouette Auto Patch /25

2014 Bowman Inception Kris Bryant Auto RC

Here is the thing, I get prospecting and I get why Bryant has a ton of value. What I dont get is why he is worth more than guys who have won MVPs and World Series titles. Its clear Bryant has provided a spark in Spring Training, but it is just that. That really isnt what prospecting is all about. Prospecting is more about finding the diamonds in the rough, not buying the diamonds at Tiffany’s. There just isnt a ton of room, especially when he isnt even likely to be on the Cubs opening day roster.

Could Kris Bryant be the next Mike Trout? Possibly. However, possibly is a very large risk to be dropping the price of a used car on his rare Bowman autograph parallels. What started with Albert Pujols back in 2001 and continued with Trout, Puig and Abreu over the last few years has likely found a new torch bearer. As I have warned hundreds of times before, if you arent in now, you have likely missed the boat.

Bryant is a pretty prolific signer, much like we saw with Abreu and Puig, which means his autographs could get flooded as the year progresses. Yet, I completely understand when people would still put the Bowman Chrome above any other autograph out there. Just be careful when dumping money into other cards that arent his Chrome auto.

We have seen a lot of players come and go, some turning into perennial all stars, others still marinating as they try to make a name for themselves. I have never been a fan of paying through the nose unless comparative value is in tact. Right now, that is not the case, so watch out.