Aaron Judge is one of the most dominant and electrifying players in Major League Baseball (MLB) today. Known for his prodigious power, strong defense, and leadership on and off the field, Judge has become a fan favorite and a key figure in the New York Yankees organization. As a result, his rookie cards have become highly sought after by collectors and investors alike.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best Aaron Judge rookie cards to own. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just getting started, this guide will provide you with valuable insights into the top Aaron Judge rookie cards on the market, their significance, and why they are worth adding to your collection.
1. 2017 Topps Chrome #169 Aaron Judge Rookie Card
Why It's Worth Owning: The 2017 Topps Chrome #169 Aaron Judge rookie card is one of the most popular and widely recognized cards in the hobby. Topps Chrome is known for its high-quality design, and this card is no exception. The card features a clean, sleek look with a refractor finish that makes it stand out.
One of the reasons this card is so desirable is its availability in various refractor parallels, including the Base Refractor, Prism Refractor, Purple Refractor, Blue Refractor, Green Refractor, Gold Refractor, Orange Refractor, Red Refractor, and the highly coveted Superfractor, which is a one-of-one card.
Investment Potential: As one of the most iconic Aaron Judge rookie cards, the 2017 Topps Chrome #169 has strong long-term investment potential. The scarcity of the refractor parallels, especially in high grades, makes this card a valuable addition to any collection. If Judge continues to perform at an elite level, this card could see significant appreciation in value.
2. 2017 Bowman Chrome #32 Aaron Judge Rookie Card
Why It's Worth Owning: Bowman Chrome has long been a favorite among collectors, especially for rookie cards. The 2017 Bowman Chrome #32 Aaron Judge rookie card is another must-have for collectors. Bowman Chrome is known for its prospect and rookie cards, and this card is a great representation of Judge's early career.
Like the Topps Chrome card, the Bowman Chrome card is available in various refractor parallels, including the popular Blue Refractor (#/150), Green Refractor (#/99), Gold Refractor (#/50), Orange Refractor (#/25), Red Refractor (#/5), and the one-of-one Superfractor.
Investment Potential: The Bowman Chrome brand is synonymous with top-tier rookie cards, and the 2017 Bowman Chrome #32 Aaron Judge rookie card is no exception. This card has a strong track record of holding its value and even appreciating over time. High-grade examples of the rarer refractor parallels can command substantial prices, making it a solid investment.
3. 2017 Topps Update #US99 Aaron Judge Rookie Card
Why It's Worth Owning: The 2017 Topps Update #US99 Aaron Judge rookie card is part of the Topps Update series, which is known for featuring rookies, trades, and other significant player movements from the season. This card captures Judge's rookie season and is a key part of the 2017 Topps Update set.
What makes this card particularly special is its availability in various parallels, including the Gold (#/2017), Rainbow Foil, Vintage Stock (#/99), Independence Day (#/76), Black (#/66), Mother's Day Pink (#/50), Father's Day Blue (#/50), Memorial Day Camo (#/25), and Platinum (1/1).
Investment Potential: The Topps Update series has a strong following among collectors, and the 2017 Topps Update #US99 Aaron Judge rookie card is no exception. The card's parallels, especially in high grades, are highly sought after and can fetch significant prices. If Judge continues to build on his impressive career, this card could see strong demand and appreciation.
4. 2017 Topps Heritage #214 Aaron Judge Rookie Card
Why It's Worth Owning: Topps Heritage is a unique product that pays homage to the classic Topps designs from the past. The 2017 Topps Heritage #214 Aaron Judge rookie card is based on the 1968 Topps design, giving it a vintage feel that appeals to both modern and old-school collectors.
This card is also available in various parallels, including the Action Image Variation, Color Swap, and Chrome Refractors, which come in different colors such as Black (#/68) and Gold (#/5). The Real One Autograph version of this card is also highly desirable.
Investment Potential: Topps Heritage cards have a dedicated following, and the 2017 Topps Heritage #214 Aaron Judge rookie card is a great addition to any collection. The card's vintage design and parallels make it a popular choice among collectors. The scarcity of certain variations and autographs adds to its investment potential.
5. 2017 Bowman Chrome Mega Box #BCP32 Aaron Judge Rookie Card
Why It's Worth Owning: The 2017 Bowman Chrome Mega Box #BCP32 Aaron Judge rookie card is part of a special release that has gained popularity in recent years. The Mega Box format features exclusive "Mojo" refractors, which give the cards a distinct and attractive appearance.
This card is available in various refractor parallels, including the Base Mojo Refractor, Pink Mojo Refractor, Green Mojo Refractor, and the elusive Gold and Orange Mojo Refractors. The unique design and scarcity of these parallels make this card a standout in any collection.
Investment Potential: The Bowman Chrome Mega Box cards have become increasingly popular with collectors, and the Aaron Judge rookie card from this set is no exception. The Mojo Refractors, in particular, have seen strong demand, and high-grade examples of the rarer parallels can command premium prices. This card has solid investment potential, especially as the Mega Box format continues to gain popularity.
6. 2017 Topps Finest #101 Aaron Judge Rookie Card
Why It's Worth Owning: Topps Finest is known for its premium design and quality, and the 2017 Topps Finest #101 Aaron Judge rookie card is no exception. The card features a clean, modern design with a glossy finish that makes it visually appealing. The card is also available in various refractor parallels, including the popular Blue Refractor (#/150), Green Refractor (#/99), Gold Refractor (#/50), Orange Refractor (#/25), Red Refractor (#/5), and Superfractor (1/1).
Investment Potential: Topps Finest cards have a strong following among collectors, and the 2017 Topps Finest #101 Aaron Judge rookie card is a great investment. The card's refractor parallels, especially in high grades, are highly sought after and can command strong prices. If Judge continues to excel on the field, this card has the potential to appreciate in value over time.
7. 2017 Topps Museum Collection #69 Aaron Judge Rookie Card
Why It's Worth Owning: The 2017 Topps Museum Collection #69 Aaron Judge rookie card is part of a high-end product that is known for its premium design and quality. The card features a striking design with a focus on Judge's image, making it a standout in any collection. This card is available in various parallels, including the Copper, Sapphire (#/150), Ruby (#/50), and Emerald (#/1).
In addition to the base card, the Museum Collection set includes autographed and relic versions, which are highly desirable among collectors. The on-card autographs and memorabilia swatches make these cards a unique and valuable addition to any collection.
Investment Potential: The Topps Museum Collection is a premium product, and the Aaron Judge rookie card from this set is no exception. The autographed and relic versions of this card, especially in rare parallels, can command strong prices. This card is a great investment for collectors looking for a high-end Aaron Judge rookie card.
8. 2017 Panini National Treasures #23 Aaron Judge Rookie Patch Autograph
Why It's Worth Owning: The 2017 Panini National Treasures #23 Aaron Judge Rookie Patch Autograph is one of the most prestigious and high-end rookie cards available. National Treasures is known for its premium design, on-card autographs, and large memorabilia swatches, making this card a centerpiece of any collection.
This card is available in various parallels, including the Emerald (#/49), Gold (#/25), Holo Silver (#/10), and the one-of-one Platinum. The combination of an on-card autograph and a game-used patch makes this card highly desirable among collectors.
Investment Potential: National Treasures cards are among the most sought-after in the hobby, and the Aaron Judge Rookie Patch Autograph is no exception. This card has strong investment potential due to its premium design, scarcity, and the inclusion of an autograph and patch. High-grade examples of this card can command significant prices, making it a valuable addition to any collection.
9. 2017 Topps Dynasty #AP-AJ Aaron Judge Autographed Patch Card
Why It's Worth Owning: Topps Dynasty is another high-end product that is known for its premium design and on-card autographs. The 2017 Topps Dynasty #AP-AJ Aaron Judge Autographed Patch Card is one of the most sought-after rookie cards of Judge. The card features an on-card autograph and a large game-used patch, making it a standout in any collection.
This card is available in various parallels, including the Gold (#/10), Silver (#/5), and the one-of-one Platinum. The scarcity and high-quality design of this card make it a must-have for serious collectors.
Investment Potential: Topps Dynasty cards are known for their premium quality and scarcity, and the Aaron Judge Autographed Patch Card is no exception. This card has strong investment potential due to its high-end design, on-card autograph, and game-used patch. If Judge continues to perform at an elite level, this card could see significant appreciation in value.
10. 2017 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP1 Aaron Judge Autograph
Why It's Worth Owning: The 2017 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP1 Aaron Judge Autograph is one of the most iconic rookie cards of Judge. Bowman Chrome is known for its prospect autographs, and this card features an on-card autograph of Judge in his early career. The card is available in various refractor parallels, including the Base Refractor (#/499), Blue Refractor (#/150), Green Refractor (#/99), Gold Refractor (#/50), Orange Refractor (#/25), Red Refractor (#/5), and the one-of-one Superfractor.
Investment Potential: The Bowman Chrome Autograph is one of the most sought-after rookie cards in the hobby, and the Aaron Judge Autograph is no exception. This card has strong investment potential due to its on-card autograph and the popularity of Bowman Chrome. High-grade examples of the rarer refractor parallels can command premium prices, making this card a valuable addition to any collection.
11. 2017 Topps Inception #PA-AJ Aaron Judge Rookie Autograph
Why It's Worth Owning: Topps Inception is known for its artistic design and premium quality, and the 2017 Topps Inception #PA-AJ Aaron Judge Rookie Autograph is a great example of this. The card features an on-card autograph and is available in various parallels, including the Green (#/99), Blue (#/25), Orange (#/10), and the one-of-one Red.
The unique design and scarcity of this card make it a standout in any collection, and the on-card autograph adds to its appeal.
Investment Potential: Topps Inception cards are known for their premium quality and unique design, and the Aaron Judge Rookie Autograph is no exception. This card has strong investment potential due to its scarcity and on-card autograph. High-grade examples of the rarer parallels can command strong prices, making this card a valuable addition to any collection.
Conclusion
Aaron Judge's rookie cards have become some of the most sought-after in the hobby, and for good reason. As one of the most dominant players in baseball today, Judge's cards have strong long-term investment potential. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just getting started, the cards listed in this guide represent some of the best Aaron Judge rookie cards to own.
When investing in Aaron Judge rookie cards, it's important to consider factors such as scarcity, condition, and the reputation of the card brand. High-grade examples of rare parallels and autographs will generally command the highest prices, but even base cards from popular sets can hold significant value.
As Aaron Judge continues to build his legacy on the field, his rookie cards will likely remain highly desirable among collectors. Whether you're looking to add a card to your personal collection or invest in a potential future star, the Aaron Judge rookie cards listed in this guide are a great place to start.
