Paul Skenes Rookie Card Guide: His Most Valuable Collectibles
- Paul Seviner
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
Updated: 16 hours ago
When it comes to Paul Skenes, understanding which cards are truly his rookie cards is more than just a label—it's about history, prestige, and long-term value. Contrary to popular belief, Bowman cards, including those from the 2023-24 Bowman sets, aren't considered his official MLB rookie cards. While highly coveted and sought after in the hobby, these prospects-represented cards fall outside the official rookie designation. A player’s true MLB rookie card is typically released after their debut in the majors, often in the Topps Update set.
Regardless, today we are going to include his iconic 2023 Bowman card because of its relevance (1st Bowman/Auto), before to dig into his Topps rookie cards.
2023 Bowman Draft Chrome Prospect 1st Autograph Paul Skenes # CDAPS
Bowman Chrome Autographs are the gold standard for modern baseball prospects, and Paul Skenes is no exception. His 2023 Bowman Chrome Draft autograph will help define his legacy—whether as a long-term investment or simply a reflection of his current standing in the hobby. The 1st Auto base sold lately around $1,100 in PSA 10 GEM MINT.
Plus, there’s a non-autographed version with different parallels that's much more affordable, bases in PSA10 sold for $150 lately.
2024 MLB Topps NOW # 179 Paul Skenes RC
The Debut card showing Paul tackling a brilliant rookie season, this card can be found around $40 in PSA10.
2024 MLB Topps NOW # 264SP Paul Skenes/Shohei Ohtani
Paul Skenes quickly became a must-watch. On June 5, fans and collectors saw him face Shohei Ohtani, one of the biggest stars in the hobby. Topps brand manager Pat O’Sullivan noted the hype was undeniable, especially after learning Skenes attended Ohtani’s debut and is a fan—adding extra excitement to the matchup.
The matchup delivered. In Ohtani’s first at-bat, Skenes struck him out with three consecutive 100-MPH pitches. But in the next at-bat, Ohtani responded with a home run to center field, proving the high-level competition lives up to the hype. Those have been sold out, very hard to find any, and PSA10s come around $1,500, and about $500 raw.
Top 20 Most Valuable Baseball Rookie Cards to Collect From Topps
Icons, rising stars, and long-term investments
2024 MLB Topps NOW # 436 Paul Skenes RC
By midseason, Skenes had proven himself as one of the top pitchers in baseball. He became the first rookie in nearly 30 years—and only the fifth overall—to start the All-Star Game. Topps NOW released a card to celebrate this milestone, solidifying his place in the game’s elite. Latest sales around $35 for PSA10s.
2024 MLB Topps Now Card # OS-2 Paul Skenes RC
By the end of the season, Skenes had one of the most impressive rookie campaigns in baseball history. With 170 strikeouts in just 133 innings, he went 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP—the lowest ERA for any rookie with at least 20 starts in the live-ball era. His Rookie of the Year Topps NOW card, with nearly 45,000 copies printed, reflects the buzz surrounding his incredible debut. 10s are being sold for about $40, which is a great deal for such historical moment.
2024 Topps Chrome Update # 15 Paul Skenes RC Celebracion /99
This 2024 Topps Chrome Baseball Update Series card, much like Skenes’ fastball, explodes onto the scene with energy. Its festive, eye-catching design reflects the excitement that swept through the hobby during his first year in The Show—an unmistakable token of his breakout debut. Recent sales around $570.
2024 Topps Chrome Update Radiating Rookies # RR21
Paul Skenes RC Skenes’ Radiating Rookies card is just as electric as his pitching—full of energy and impact, perfectly capturing the intensity of his debut season. Last PSA 10s sold for about $500.
In summary, Paul Skenes’ rookie cards are quickly establishing themselves as key pieces for any serious collector. From his early Bowman debut to his record-breaking season, these cards capture the essence of a rising star destined for greatness. Whether you’re chasing the affordable parallels or the iconic autos, now is the perfect time to get in on the action before these cards become even more valuable. Stay tuned—Skenes’ story is just getting started.
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