Subway Series Sparks Rookie Card Frenzy—8 Must-Have Cards from Yankees vs. Mets Clash

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The 2025 Subway Series is underway, and while the spotlight is on the diamond, collectors are focused on cardboard. With Yankee Stadium hosting this year’s first meeting between the Mets and Yankees, the rivalry brings more than just big names and highlight-reel plays—it’s also a showcase of some of the most collectible players in the game right now. Both teams are stacked with stars, rising prospects, and future Hall of Famers, making this weekend not just a must-watch, but a must-collect.
Let’s take a look at eight key players in this year’s Subway Series—and the rookie cards that are fueling the hobby buzz.

Trent Grisham – Yankees
Once known for his glove, Grisham is suddenly hitting like a middle-of-the-order threat. With a .283 average, 12 homers, and a near-1.000 OPS, his early-season performance is turning heads. His 2020 Topps Chrome rookie is flying under the radar—raw versions can still be scooped up for $1–$4, and PSA 10s are surprisingly affordable at $12–$20. A bargain if his bat keeps producing.

Ben Rice – Yankees
A new face making a strong impression, Rice is proving himself at the plate and at first base. He’s batting .254 with 9 homers and a .900 OPS. His 2024 Bowman Chrome 1st Bowman is starting to move. Raw copies sell for around $8–$12, and PSA 10s have crept up to $45–$55. One to watch if he keeps trending up.

Aaron Judge – Yankees
It’s hard to say anything about Judge that hasn’t already been said. His 2025 season has been absurd—.412 average, 15 home runs, 41 RBIs, and a jaw-dropping 1.279 OPS. His 2017 Topps Chrome “Catching” rookie is iconic. Raw copies are already in the $70–$90 range, and PSA 10s are commanding $220–$250. Pricey, but worth every penny if he keeps this MVP-level pace.

Cody Bellinger – Yankees
Now in Yankee pinstripes, Bellinger is still adjusting (.229 AVG, 5 HRs), but his 2017 Topps Chrome RC remains a collector favorite. Raw versions are still strong in the $70–$90 range, and PSA 10s continue to sell for $220–$250. A second-half surge could give his market a nice lift.

Anthony Volpe – Yankees
Quietly building on his rookie year, Volpe is hitting .240 with 6 homers and 24 RBIs. His 2020 Bowman Chrome 1st Bowman card is a fan favorite, especially among Yankees collectors. It’s a low-risk buy too—raw copies are only $1–$4, and PSA 10s are usually $30–$35. A solid pickup for long-term believers.

Francisco Lindor – Mets
Lindor remains the heart of the Mets’ lineup, hitting .297 with 9 home runs and a .855 OPS. His 2015 Topps Chrome Update rookie has always been a steady performer in the hobby. Raw cards sell for $12–$20, and PSA 10s fetch $65–$90. Still reasonably priced considering his consistent production.

Pete Alonso – Mets
Alonso continues to mash and lead by example. With a .311 average and 9 homers, his 2019 Topps Chrome rookie remains one of the modern staples for Mets collectors. Raw versions are a steal at $2–$6, while PSA 10s typically move in the $15–$22 range. He’s not flashy in the hobby, but his value is rock solid.

Juan Soto – Mets
The newest mega-contract man in Queens, Soto’s bat hasn’t cooled off one bit. His rookie cards were already highly sought after before he joined the Mets, and now they’re red hot again. His 2018 Topps Update rookie sells for $5–$15 raw and $45–$70 in PSA 10 condition. As long as Soto keeps swinging like this, that’s going to look cheap.

This year’s Subway Series doesn’t just bring two powerhouse teams face-to-face—it brings collectors a fresh reminder of the talent in New York right now. From affordable sleepers like Ben Rice to blue-chip mainstays like Judge and Soto, these eight cards offer something for every type of collector. Whether you’re building a collection, flipping for profit, or just chasing your favorite players, this weekend is a perfect excuse to dig into the box scores—and your eBay watchlist.
 
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