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The MLB strikeout leader in 2019 and a three-time All-Star, Gerrit Cole (09/08/90), has to be seen 8as one of the biggest names in the sport today.
Cole joined the Yankees in a record $324m, nine-year contract signing, the most significant fee ever paid to a pitcher.
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Here’s a rundown of three of the best Gerrit Cole rookie cards as he begins his prime years. Should his RCs be seen as a good investment option? Read on to find out what we think.
Top Gerrit Cole Cards
Cole was always seen as a player who would do well in the big leagues, so much so that there were hundreds of cards released before he made his MLB debut in 2013. We’ve included a few of his early prospect cards below and an RC.
2010 Gerrit Cole Bowman Chrome USA #USA-BC5
Found in the 2010 Bowman Chrome set, the first option is one of the many prospect cards to feature Cole. It features a strong action shot of the pitcher as he prepares to throw a ball, with concentration etched into his face.
As noted at the top, it’s the 1st Bowman Chrome card, which is always essential for prospect collectors. There’s also a range of Refractor parallels, which will change the outer border color. This has increased rarity, especially for higher grades that have avoided damage.
2010 Gerrit Cole Bowman Chrome USA Refractor Parallels: Purple /999, Refractor, Blue Refractor /250, Gold Refractor /50, Orange Refractor /25, Red Refractor /5, Superfractor 1/1, Printing Plates 1/1
2012 Gerrit Cole Bowman Prospects RC #BCP86
Fast forward a few years to 2012, when we’re looking at another Bowman Baseball set featuring Cole. This time, he’s decked out in his Pirates uniform in the action shot, with a ball in hand and a mitt ready.
The addition of an on-card auto at the bottom is always interesting for collectors, while the same is true for the various colored Refractor parallels.
“Once again, parallels will correspond with the border colour, so it’s hard to find copies in mint condition.”
2012 Bowman Baseball Chrome Prospect Parallels: Refractor (/500), Blue Refractor (/250), Gold Refractor (/50), Orange Refractor (/25), Red Refractor (/5), Superfractor (1/1)
2013 Gerrit Cole Topps Chrome Update #MB20 RC
Finally, we have a bonafide RC! Cole was promoted to the major leagues in 2013, evidenced by the logo on the bottom left corner of this landscape card. Another release without a hard border; there aren’t many gem mint copies of the Topps Chrome Update in the present day.
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It has the best image of the trio, with a close-up of Cole as he prepares to pitch at breakneck speed. It also comes with yellow trim, matching his Pirates cap.
2013 Gerrit Cole Topps Chrome Update Parallels: Gold (/250), Black (/99)
Gerrit Cole Rookie Card Values
What is the most expensive Gerrit Cole rookie card? The 2012 Bowman Chrome Refractor Gerrit Cole’s rookie cards are the most expensive of his rookie cards (i.e., Orange, Blue, etc.).
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Checklist
- 2009 Upper Deck USA Gerrit Cole RC #USA68
- 2010 Bowman Platinum Dual Relic Autographs Gerrit Cole/Sonny Gray /99 #PDAR-GC
- 2010 Topps Chrome USA Baseball Autographs Gerrit Cole #USA-4
- 2010 Bowman Chrome USA Gerrit Cole RC #USA-BC5
- 2010 Bowman Chrome USA Baseball Wrapper Redemption Autographs Gerrit Cole RC /99 #WR28
- 2012 Bowman AFLAC Autographs Gerrit Cole RC /225 #AFLAC-GC
- 2012 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs Gerrit Cole RC #BCP86
- 2013 Topps Chrome Update Gerrit Cole RC #MB20
- 2013 Bowman Chrome Gerrit Cole RC #30
- 2013 Panini Prizm Gerrit Cole RC #239
- 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Gerrit Cole RC #6
- 2013 Bowman Draft Gerrit Cole RC #6
- 2013 Bowman Sterling Gerrit Cole RC #33
- 2013 Finest Gerrit Cole RC #99
- 2013 Topps Heritage Gerrit Cole RC #H596
- 2013 Hometown Heroes Gerrit Cole RC #137
- 2013 Topps Triple Threads Auto Triple Memorabilia Gerrit Cole RC /99 #169
- 2013 Pinnacle Gerrit Cole RC #182
- 2013 Topps Update Gerrit Cole RC #US150
- 2013 Select Auto Gerrit Cole RC /500 #247
- 2013 Topps Chrome Gerrit Cole RC #210
- 2013 Topps Five Star Gerrit Cole RC /75 #34
Investment Advice
It’s worth remembering that the Yankees are not just trying to win a projection system or the AL East. They are pretty much in championship-or-bust mode. If all goes to plan, it could lead to several accolades and trophies during the next stage of Cole’s career, which will boost his RC prices significantly.
Gerrit Cole RC Investment Rating: Buy (4.0 out of 5)
Ownership Disclosure: None
Best Garrit Cole Card: 2012 Gerrit Cole Bowman Prospects RC #BCP86 and, in particular, the high-end refractors (for high-end investors)
At this time, he’s not a lock for the Hall of Fame, and a season of his prime was disrupted by Covid-19. Cole’s cards are slightly underpriced, but it’s understandable, given he’s at a crossroads in his career.
Will the next chapter bring greatness? If you think it could, his RCs must be seen as a steal at current prices.