MLB Playoffs Bring New Superstars to the Hobby

We are two games into the playoffs and already we have seen what some of the new big names of the hobby can bring. Some of these guys have been around for a while before catching fire, while others are brand new. This will happen all post season, so be prepared for some major spikes in value that may never be replicated again. Right David Freese?

Jake Arrieta – P, Chicago Cubs

ERA has become one of those stats that people arent valuing as much these days, much like Wins. Arrieta’s feat of having an ERA of less than 1 after the All Star Break is still impressive regardless. Last night, Arrieta was lights out, as expected, and led the Cubs to a complete game shut out in arguably the most important game in the last 10-15 years for his team. Sadly, he has had NO licensed autographs, period. His rookie autos are all from Elite or Just Minors, and that sucks. Either way, the cards have started to come up even further than they already have during his Cy Young consideration.

Here are some of the top cards:

2008 Bowman Sterling Jake Arrieta USA Auto Relic

2008 Bowman Chrome Jake Arrieta XFractor RC BGS 9.5

2007 Elite Extra Edition Jake Arrieta Auto RC

Kyle Schwarber – C, Chicago Cubs

Amid the monster hobby campaign for his teammate, Schwarber had a STELLAR rookie season. Monster in some senses. Last night, his two hits put the Cubs ahead, with 3 RBIs and a 2 run HR. This guy is looking to be one of those prototypical power hitters, and at a position that rarely has those types of players. His Chrome autos are already up over 100, but there could be room for a higher ceiling if he plays this well in the next few games too.

Unlike the others on this post, he is well represented:

2014 Bowman Chrome Kyle Schwarber Auto Red Refractor BGS 9.5

2014 Bowman Chrome Kyle Schwarber Auto Refractor RC

2015 Bowman Chrome Kyle Schwarber Purple Refractor Auto BGS 9.5

Dallas Keuchel – P, Houston Astros

There were a handful of guys in the AL that had a season like Keuchel did, and his performance in the Wild Card game was a showcase of exactly how awesome he has been playing. Not only was he on short rest, but he still managed to go out there and shut down a VERY potent lineup. The Astros could have a long stretch of great seasons ahead of them if Keuchel and the rest of their young core continues to light it up. He only has a few licensed autographs, but like Arrieta, has no Chrome auto RC. Really too bad in that situation.

Here are his top cards:

2009 Bowman Chrome Dallas Keuchel Gold Refractor RC /50

2014 Topps Supreme Dallas Keuchel Auto Base

2015 Diamond Kings Dallas Keuchel Auto Dual Relic

There will be plenty of time for more heroes to emerge, and like Allen Craig and the like, they could only shine bright for one night. For a hobby built around nostalgia, that might be all it takes.

 

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