2020 Topps Series 1 Rookie Review
Topps Series One comes out on February 5th stacked with 51 new rookies to collect. I’ve broken them down into four tiers from The One to pack fillers.
Tier Four - Pack Fillers
Austin Nola - SEA
Anthony Kay - TOR
Danny Hultzen - CHC
Sam Hilliard - COL
Mauricio Dubon - SF
Josh Rojas - ARI
Bobby Bradley - CLE
Patrick Sandoval - LAA
Seth Brown - OAK
Andres Muñoz - SD
Randy Arozarena - STL
Jake Rogers - DET
Travis Demeritte - DET
Jaylin Davis - SF
Robel Garcia - CHC
Bubba Starling - KC
Isan Diaz - MIA
Tyler Alexander - DET
Dario Agrazal - PIT
Adbert Alzolay - CHC
A little harsh, I know, but this is the reality. This group features some older first time rookies (Dannu Hultzen at 30 years old), and people that haven’t hit their stride. There are more pitchers in this area, given that their value as cards are not as high as position players. Put it this way, here are your Sean Reid-Foley’s from last year.
Tier Three - Contributors
Sean Murphy - OAK
Michel Baez - SD
Jordan Yamamoto - MIA
Trent Grisham - MIL
Nick Solak - TEX
Abraham Toro - HOU
Kyle Lewis - SEA
Jacob Waguespack - TOR
Bryan Abreu - HOU
Lewis Thorpe - MIN
Zac Gallen - ARI
Tony Gonsolin - LAD
Rogelio Armenteros - HOU
Zack Collins - CHI
Jose Urquidy - HOU
Matt Thaiss - LAA
Aaron Civale - CLE
Dylan Cease - CHI
Michael Brosseau - TB
Alex Young - ARI
Adrian Morejon - SD
I can see numerous people from this group making the jump to Tier Two. Zac Gallen, Matt Thaiss, Kyle Lewis, Nick Solak, and Trent Grisham all have the tools to make the jump. Most of the players here are under 25, and many of them contributed to their teams. We’ll see most of these players in the majors this year, and might even be worthy of an add on your fantasy team as you push to the playoffs.
Tier Two - Consistent Starters
Aristides Aquino - CIN
Dustin May - LAD
Brendan McKay - TB
Gavin Lux - LAD
Nico Hoerner - CHC
AJ Puk - OAK
Bo Bichette - TOR
Logan Allen - CLE
Jesus Luzardo - OAK
Aristides Aquino finally gets his rookie card after his 2014 Bowman inception. This is thanks to Aquino being the first player ever to hit 13 HR in 100 career at bats. His auto went from a $2 auto to a $60 auto almost overnight. McKay is a top 10 prospect right now, and was decent in his time last year (4.03 FIP). Any lefty pitcher tends to be hyped up a bit more. Hoerner is the Cubs best prospect, so he gets a boost because of the big market that his team plays in. He’s only 22, so his rookie card will hold value. Bo Bichette (I feel the need to type his first and last name) is even younger than Hoerner (21 years old). He’s already proven that he can play in the majors after posting a .929 OPS at the shortstop position. Jesus Luzardo and AJ Puk have both been anticipated for what seems like a while now. They’re Oaklands #1 and #2 prospects, and will perform once they cement themselves into the rotation this year. Lux and May have been talked about a ton because they’ve both been rumored to be part of a Mookie Betts trade with the Red Sox and for good purpose. Lux is a power hitting shortstop/second baseman that plays plus defense. May, “Gingergaard”, has three plus plus (not a typo) pitches that make him a contender for a number one pitcher. Logan Allen is also a top 100 prospect, who wasn’t as sharp, but still only 22. He’s got too much potential to be in tier three.
Tier One - The One
Yordan Alvarez
As you may have noticed, I missed the AL Rookie of the Year, Yordan Alvarez. That’s because I feel his rookie card is the one you should be chasing in this set. Alvarez is going to finish with above a 1.000 OPS, close to 40 home runs, and at least 100 RBI’s this year and on. He’s got to become more disciplined at the plate (25% K rate), but that’s the only knock on one of the best pure hitters in the game already. Oh, and he’s only 22 years old.
CLICK IMAGE FOR FULL PRODUCT DETAILS FROM BECKETT.COM