It wasn’t the dream start to the season that New York Mets fans were hoping for but the start of one rookie’s career has offered an oasis of hope amid all of the angst. Pete Alsonso rookie cards have been among the hottest in the hobby as he topples records and seems destined for a long, productive career.
The Alonso File
Taken with the 64th pick in the 2016 draft after a stellar career at the University of Florida, Alonso spent 2 ½ seasons working through the minor leagues until he was deemed ready to become the Mets’ 2019 Opening Day first baseman. After being referred to as “Peter” he let it be known he preferred plain old “Pete.”
No matter the moniker, in just three months, he already had a rookie power season for the ages. Alonso broke Darryl Strawberry’s 36-year-old record for rookie homers—and did it in 55 fewer games. He also established a National League record for homers prior to the All-Star break, set a Mets rookie record for first half RBI and on September 28, broke the all-time rookie home run record with his 53rd.
Winning the Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game put the market for Alonso baseball cards in overdrive and despite a brief slump afterward, he’s paid off handsomely for those who snared some of his cards early.
Prospect Cards
Like every high tier draft pick, it didn’t take long to see Alonso’s name on a baseball card. He appeared in his Gators uniform in Panini’s Elite Extra Edition but Topps quickly followed by inserting his regular cards and autographs inside its best known prospect-oriented products. As usual, it’s the 2016 Bowman Chrome Draft Pick autographs that have become Alonso’s most sought after cards. A BGS 9.5 Orange Refractor, numbered to 25 and graded BGS 9.5, sold for a best offer price of $13,000 in late September.
Prices, of course, vary depending on whether the card is a serial numbered parallel whether the card has been graded and the grade it’s been given, but as of now, you can still grab a non-numbered 2016 Bowman Chrome Alonso autograph for a few hundred dollars.
Alonso also appeared on other cards during his minor league years of 2016, ’17 and ’18, some with autographs.
Pete Alonso Rookie Cards
With his MLB debut coming on Opening Day, Alonso’s official rookie cards came quickly. His first rookie card-carrying the “RC” logo came via Topps NOW the day following his March 28 debut game when he collected his first hit.
I’ve always dreamed of having my own rookie card one day!!! Thank you @Topps for making my debut that much more special by making a commemorative card #LGM https://t.co/RjkehkB1kE
— Pete Alonso (@Pete_Alonso20) March 29, 2019
His first standard Topps flagship card appears in Series 2 (#475), with more than a dozen serial-numbered parallel versions. In between, he’s appeared on more Topps NOW cards, including some with autographs, as well as on other online only sets including the Living Set (8,695 was the print run) and On-Demand.
He has numerous autographed rookie cards inside other 2019 sets. Many of the unsigned base cards are available for a few dollars.
Alonso and his agents advantage of the interest in his signature as he agreed to an exclusive autographed memorabilia deal with Fanatics in which he’s signed photos, baseballs, helmets, jerseys and other items.
You can track the 50 current most watched Pete Alonso rookie cards on eBay via the real time list below.
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