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Josh Donaldson (12/8/85) is a talented veteran third baseman who has played for the Oakland Athletics, Toronto Blue Jays, Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves, and the Minnesota Twins, respectively.
SHOP JOSH DONALDSON ROOKIE CARDS ON EBAY
The AL MVP in 2015, he was a three-time All-Star from 2014 to 2016 and was named the NL Comeback Player of the Year in 2019.
Donaldson later earned a four-year contract with the Twins but struggled during the reduced 2020 season (which also took a toll on Josh Donaldson’s rookie card).
Josh Donaldson Rookie Year Stats: .241 avg, 9 home runs, 4 stolen bases, 33 RBI’s, and a .687 OPS.
Here’s everything you need to know about three of the best Josh Donaldson rookie cards and investment advice for the next few years.
Best Cards
Donaldson’s rookie cards hail from 2010, as he filled in for the Oakland A’s before being sent back to the minor leagues in 2011.
2010 Josh Donaldson Topps Chrome RC #191
The first card we’ll be looking at has a signature attached and is a decent choice even if it doesn’t have the best image of the player. Donaldson is found in an action shot, decked in full gear as he looks off-camera.
There’s also a Gold Refractor version limited to just 50 copies, and the on-card auto is a generous size.
2010 Topps Chrome Parallels: Refractor (/499), Blue (/199), Gold (/50), Red (/25), SuperFractor (1/1), Printing Plates (1/1)
2010 Josh Donaldson Topps Update RC #US172
Here is another great-looking Josh Donaldson Topps rookie card in Update form. Numbered #US172 the card shows Josh hopefully gunning down a would-be stolen base attempt. The word Athletics, Josh Donaldson, and the Topps RC logo are all sitting comfy into the bottom left corner.
2010 Josh Donaldson Bowman Chrome RC #192
Cheaper than the card seen above, his 2010 Bowman Chrome RC (#192) does feature a much better image of Donaldson. You’ll find the player in a batting stance, as he poses for the photo with a hint of a smile.
The lack of an autograph is the reason for lower prices, even when looking at numbered parallels.
Pro-Tip: Be careful buying raw baseball cards as MOST don’t grade well in our experience. On a side note, Bowman Chrome baseball cards are the best to buy ungraded as they grade very well in our experience.
2010 Bowman Chrome Parallels: Refractors (/500), Blue (/150), Gold (/50), Orange (/25), Red (/5), SuperFractor (1/1), Printing Plates (1/1)
2010 Josh Donaldson Bowman Chrome #BCP113
Donaldson’s 2010 Bowman Chrome Prospects card rounds out the list.
There are versions found with or without a signature, as 2010 was the first year each player who signed for Bowman Chrome would have a base Prospect card and a corresponding Autograph edition. They both come with a range of colored refractor parallels.
2010 Bowman Chrome Prospect Parallels: Refractors (/500), Blue (/250), Gold (/50), Orange (/25), Red (/5), SuperFractor (1/1)
Josh Donaldson Rookie Card Value
The most expensive Josh Donaldson rookie card is the 2010 Topps Chrome Gold Refractor Auto /50 rookie card #191.
Need purchase advise? If you want to purchase a Josh Donaldson rookie card and would like advice, please email advice@goldcardauctions.com.
Checklist
- 2010 Bowman Chrome Josh Donaldson RC #BCP113
- 2010 Bowman Chrome Josh Donaldson RC #192
- 2010 Topps Update Josh Donaldson RC #US172
- 2010 Topps Chrome Josh Donaldson RC #191
- 2010 Bowman Chrome 1st Bowman Josh Donaldson RC #BCP61
Investment Outlook
Despite his comeback in 2019, there hasn’t been much interest in the average Donaldson RC. Maybe that’s due to recurring calf issues which held him to just 28 games in the 2020 season.
The former MVP signed a long-term deal with Minnesota, and he still has time to make up if he wants to secure an HoF spot. He was 27 when he played his first full season, so it depends on how they judge the longevity of his career, no matter how brightly it burned.
He still has time to make a difference himself and will be back in action over the 2021 season. Will his rookie cards be a good investment? It depends on whether you think he can make yet another comeback, ensuring his spot in the HoF is secured.
What is the best Josh Donaldson rookie card?
The best Josh Donaldson rookie card, in our opinion in terms of return on investment, is his 2010 Topps Chrome rookie card #191.
How much is a Justin Verlander rookie card worth?
A Justin Verlander 2005 Bowman Chrome rookie card graded PSA 10 is worth just under $900 selling for $866 on 3/9/2021 via eBay auctions.
How much is a Bryce Harper rookie card worth?
The 2012 Bryce Harper Target Red PSA 10 Topps Update rookie card is worth just under $4,000 as it sold on eBay auctions on 3/13/2021 for $3,802.