For those asking about Ben Rice: I didn't have him in my top 10, and I knew that he didn't really have a chance at being on this list since his big league stats were pretty bad (50 games, 26 hits, 7 HR, 23 RBI, .171 AVG, .613 OPS, 72 OPS+), he is older at age 26 in 2025, and he was never once a a top ranked prospect. His overall score would have been- Age:5, Prospect Ranking: 0, Minor League Stats: 9, MLB Stats: 3. Total score: 4.25. In the short run I think Rice has value, but he is blocked by Goldschmidt this year and has not proven it quite yet at the big league level.
Thanks for the list Scott. A couple more I would consider. Jhonkensky Noel hit 13 homers 115 OPS in 179 at bats last year for Cleveland and had some big postseason hits also. Has big power and a great nickname Big Christmas. Connor Norby is a bit of a late bloomer post hype guy at 24, but once traded to Miami had a pretty strong second half last year with 7 homers and 104 ops+. Change of scenery could have helped get him right as he was once a top100 guy. Jackson Jobe does not have a base card but has a 1990 variation, an auto card and an all aces for some additional chase on a guy that is a top 10 rated prospect going in to 2025.
Noel definitely could be a beast! Growing up I used to only route for my home team rookies, as I’ve grown up I’ve completely changed and hope all these kids turn out to be elite, it would be huge for MLB, but in my old age I’ve also become a bit more realistic and know it’s not likely. Either way it would be great for the sport if we have a ton of elite players, unlike the reality and history of the sport where there are usually only a handful of truly elite players per generation
Had a jumbo case in my cart at the Topps release and thought about the RCs. Your list confirms my reasoning for not pulling the trigger on the purchase.
I posted a video yesterday with more of a focus on their short-term potential. My ranking were: 10. Orelvis Martinez 9. Jace Jung 8. Coby Mayo 7. Yilber Diaz 6. Rhett Lowder 5. Brooks Lee 4. Spencer Schwellenbach 3. Jacob Wilson 2. Dylan Crews 1. James Wood Notes: Amador is overrated and has disappointed (also was injured, to be fair). I didn't even give him an honorable mention...def could be my biggest miss. Coby Mayo has a really difficult path to playing time in Baltimore and he's already 23. Seems like we both like Rhett Lowder! Looking forward to revisiting these in the future. Encourage you to take another look at Yilber Diaz...lots of upside!
I love a good spreadsheet and the thoughts. Thank you for the breakdown. The funny thing to me is that my 15-year old daughter will initially care about 4 of these guys when we rip packs. Wood, Crews, Rhett Lowder and Big Christmas! It’s amazing how watching highlights or catching and discussing a player making their debuts can make player names stick in your head. Noel also benefitted from being on a playoff team and having some big homers. We will also confuse Jace for brother Josh Jung at least a few times.
Fantastic video I love when you put these charts together helps buyers come to a formal decision on who to pick up I for sure will be picking up some of these players as singles in series1 and some of their Bowman autos
Thanks for this. In some cases I wonder if minor league stats should be weighted a little more than a small mlb sample sizes, but overall very helpful. And man, Jacob Wilson's .400+ BA is impressive.
Love the breakdown, Scott. In regards to the pitchers, perhaps assessing the likelihood of injury to each player (taking into account relevant info such as past injury, velocity, spin rate, motion, etc.) might help in projecting future production from each? just a thought thx
Thanks for the informative video. Not trying to knit pick but the prospect rankings you were referencing were from prior to the 2024 season so they have changed a ton since then
Luisangel Acuna. I hope the Met give him a chance to play everyday. CF maybe? He should have a series 1 rookie card. I also like Bryce Eldridge He's only 20 years old, plays first base, but the Giants refused to trade him this off season when asked. That could be why they didn't pursue Pete Alonso or any other free agent first basemen. We're probably not going to see him until 2026, but maybe he'll be included in this year's Update sets? Excellent video!
I think you're really underestimating Dalton Rushing. Austin Barnes contract is over after this year. So he's definitely gonna debut this year and get eased into catching and be the secondary catcher starting next year
The Rc crop isn't as exciting going into the release as last year. I do think it will be more of a slow burn than an explosion from them. Which could be nice and keep prices reasonable for some of these guys.
I sold my 1st bowman James Woods auto a few years ago. Got top dollar for it so it is what it is. I can't have any regrets getting 800$ for a for a raw auto Thankfully Woods and Crews is in this series....they kinda save it. And liking Noel/ Big Christmas
I think Orelvis might suffer from the Tatis, Cano, Manny collectability factor, regardless of how well he performs. With that 80-game suspension for PED’s, the fact that Tatis took a hobby dive (while playing well), and that the league/HOF looks negatively on this regardless of player, I’d dump any Martinez hits you come across.
Reminds me of 2021 already. A lot of hype, a good number players in the "...but we gotta see them on the field in the Show " ( due to no Minors games in 2020 ). But now 4 years later nearly all have been " meh " hitting .250 to .270 against MLB pitching. I would not bet the farm on any of them. And I have not seen much on the topic that I assume MLB makes sure that all the talent from South of the US is here legally, but what about their families, wives, girl friends, kids, etc. Will the new Administration send them all home if some not documented...
Series 1 odds are horrible. No retail blues ,no hanger box yellows. No purple holos are blue holos. No guarantees in any retail products except the fanatics box and the holiday parallel is now in the tin only.
@@scottiebcards2354 Speaking of A's, would you please share thoughts on Lawrence Butler? He looks like an intriguing 2024 RC to collect and do not hear much on him. Thank you
Hey, great question! Here are what his stats would be: Age: 5 Prospect Ranking: 0 MiLB Stats: 9 MLB Stats:3 Total Score: 4.25 It doesn't help he is blocked by Goldschmidt next year during his age 26 season either. I think at release he will have some value for sure to Yankees fans.
Hey Nick, great question! Here are what his stats would be: Age: 5 Prospect Ranking: 0 MiLB Stats: 9 MLB Stats:3 Total Score: 4.25 It doesn't help he is blocked by Goldschmidt next year during his age 26 season either. I think at release he will have some value for sure to Yankees fans.
Really not impressed with the rookie class in this release. Feels really underwhelming. I don’t think James Wood has the same level of hype that Elly De La Cruz had for 2024 Series 1.
For those asking about Ben Rice: I didn't have him in my top 10, and I knew that he didn't really have a chance at being on this list since his big league stats were pretty bad (50 games, 26 hits, 7 HR, 23 RBI, .171 AVG, .613 OPS, 72 OPS+), he is older at age 26 in 2025, and he was never once a a top ranked prospect.
His overall score would have been- Age:5, Prospect Ranking: 0, Minor League Stats: 9, MLB Stats: 3. Total score: 4.25.
In the short run I think Rice has value, but he is blocked by Goldschmidt this year and has not proven it quite yet at the big league level.
Thanks for the list Scott. A couple more I would consider. Jhonkensky Noel hit 13 homers 115 OPS in 179 at bats last year for Cleveland and had some big postseason hits also. Has big power and a great nickname Big Christmas. Connor Norby is a bit of a late bloomer post hype guy at 24, but once traded to Miami had a pretty strong second half last year with 7 homers and 104 ops+. Change of scenery could have helped get him right as he was once a top100 guy. Jackson Jobe does not have a base card but has a 1990 variation, an auto card and an all aces for some additional chase on a guy that is a top 10 rated prospect going in to 2025.
I agree. I would have swapped #9 & 12.
Love Big Christmas, fun guy
Absolutely punishes that ball
Love big Christmas, but didn’t he have a RC card last year
Noel definitely could be a beast! Growing up I used to only route for my home team rookies, as I’ve grown up I’ve completely changed and hope all these kids turn out to be elite, it would be huge for MLB, but in my old age I’ve also become a bit more realistic and know it’s not likely. Either way it would be great for the sport if we have a ton of elite players, unlike the reality and history of the sport where there are usually only a handful of truly elite players per generation
Had a jumbo case in my cart at the Topps release and thought about the RCs. Your list confirms my reasoning for not pulling the trigger on the purchase.
2025 might be a dud year for rookies. Kinda like 2020 with Lou Bob.
This is exactly what I'm doing. Right now I have stuff in the cart and was wondering if it's really worth it to buy a bunch of S1 boxes.
S1 can be rough for rookies. Last year the Rookie crop wasn't amazing until Update
Great video Scott
One of my favorite segments prior to the new year/RC crop release - thanks Scottie!
Great work as usual, brother!
👏🏼 Scott puttin in the work
I’m high lowder and like crews .
Others In this set ….
Not so much
Great stuff. Appreciate the breakdown.
Might be the first time i don't buy any hobby and just rip some retail... eBay some singles... Nice vid.
That’s what I started doing in 2023…. Buying singles is a great way to go…I’ve saved a lot of cash and get cards I want. I don’t miss ripping packs.
These pre-release analysis videos are great Scottie. Thank you and great job as always 👍👍
I posted a video yesterday with more of a focus on their short-term potential. My ranking were:
10. Orelvis Martinez
9. Jace Jung
8. Coby Mayo
7. Yilber Diaz
6. Rhett Lowder
5. Brooks Lee
4. Spencer Schwellenbach
3. Jacob Wilson
2. Dylan Crews
1. James Wood
Notes: Amador is overrated and has disappointed (also was injured, to be fair). I didn't even give him an honorable mention...def could be my biggest miss. Coby Mayo has a really difficult path to playing time in Baltimore and he's already 23. Seems like we both like Rhett Lowder! Looking forward to revisiting these in the future. Encourage you to take another look at Yilber Diaz...lots of upside!
Perfect analysis Scottie. Much appreciated
I love a good spreadsheet and the thoughts. Thank you for the breakdown. The funny thing to me is that my 15-year old daughter will initially care about 4 of these guys when we rip packs. Wood, Crews, Rhett Lowder and Big Christmas! It’s amazing how watching highlights or catching and discussing a player making their debuts can make player names stick in your head. Noel also benefitted from being on a playoff team and having some big homers. We will also confuse Jace for brother Josh Jung at least a few times.
Very helpful, Scottie! Thanks bro.
Yeah Scottie is an absolute asset to our community
Fantastic video I love when you put these charts together helps buyers come to a formal decision on who to pick up I for sure will be picking up some of these players as singles in series1 and some of their Bowman autos
Thanks Scottie! Great analysis as usual. Will miss the ripping of S1 but the bang for the buck is just not there. Wood A+
Scottie I love the rookie break downs. Think we can get print run numbers for this release? I really miss those.
Scottie you the man for this. I couldn't find the checklist anywhere
It’s on Topps website
Thanks for this. In some cases I wonder if minor league stats should be weighted a little more than a small mlb sample sizes, but overall very helpful. And man, Jacob Wilson's .400+ BA is impressive.
Love the breakdown, Scott. In regards to the pitchers, perhaps assessing the likelihood of injury to each player (taking into account relevant info such as past injury, velocity, spin rate, motion, etc.) might help in projecting future production from each? just a thought thx
Finally looking forward to the Nationals season this year for the first time in a long time! 🎉
Thanks for the informative video. Not trying to knit pick but the prospect rankings you were referencing were from prior to the 2024 season so they have changed a ton since then
I’m really looking forward to the introduction of Chase Dollander, although I think it will be tough pitching in Colorado!
Good stuff
These are guys only real collectors and people who actually watch a lot of baseball could get excited about.
I'm saving all my money for Big Christmas Topps Holiday Rookie Cards
May want to check Martinez, watched him for almost 2 full seasons here in NH, strikes outs are a problem
I’m chasing Connor Norby for my marlins!!
Luisangel Acuna. I hope the Met give him a chance to play everyday. CF maybe? He should have a series 1 rookie card. I also like Bryce Eldridge He's only 20 years old, plays first base, but the Giants refused to trade him this off season when asked. That could be why they didn't pursue Pete Alonso or any other free agent first basemen. We're probably not going to see him until 2026, but maybe he'll be included in this year's Update sets? Excellent video!
I think you're really underestimating Dalton Rushing. Austin Barnes contract is over after this year. So he's definitely gonna debut this year and get eased into catching and be the secondary catcher starting next year
I'm big on Rhett Lowder this year 🔥
Noel is the best on this list!!!
My boy Scottie B doing the hard work so my lazy ass doesn't have to! Shout out to that KC hat!!
Thanks Scottie! No jackson Jobe?
Hey Dan, thanks for watching! Jobe is not on this checklist unfortunately. I think he is being saved for series 2!
The Rc crop isn't as exciting going into the release as last year. I do think it will be more of a slow burn than an explosion from them. Which could be nice and keep prices reasonable for some of these guys.
I sold my 1st bowman James Woods auto a few years ago. Got top dollar for it so it is what it is. I can't have any regrets getting 800$ for a for a raw auto
Thankfully Woods and Crews is in this series....they kinda save it. And liking Noel/ Big Christmas
I'm excited but the odds are terrible for this series
I think Orelvis might suffer from the Tatis, Cano, Manny collectability factor, regardless of how well he performs. With that 80-game suspension for PED’s, the fact that Tatis took a hobby dive (while playing well), and that the league/HOF looks negatively on this regardless of player, I’d dump any Martinez hits you come across.
Reminds me of 2021 already. A lot of hype, a good number players in the "...but we gotta see them on the field in the Show " ( due to no Minors games in 2020 ). But now 4 years later nearly all have been " meh " hitting .250 to .270 against MLB pitching.
I would not bet the farm on any of them.
And I have not seen much on the topic that I assume MLB makes sure that all the talent from South of the US is here legally, but what about their families, wives, girl friends, kids, etc. Will the new Administration send them all home if some not documented...
Do we need to start a Go Fund Me for a new Rockies hat??? Haven't seen it in a while.
Didn't orelvis get suspended
Where’s Matt Shaw?
So I shouldn't get my hopes up that Adael Amador is going to personally save the Rockies?
Series 1 odds are horrible. No retail blues ,no hanger box yellows. No purple holos are blue holos. No guarantees in any retail products except the fanatics box and the holiday parallel is now in the tin only.
Scottie, don't forget - the A's dropped "Oakland" from their name.
I definitely forgot in this video! RIP Oakland A's 💔
@@scottiebcards2354 Speaking of A's, would you please share thoughts on Lawrence Butler? He looks like an intriguing 2024 RC to collect and do not hear much on him. Thank you
Why is Ben rice not included in this? lol
Hey, great question!
Here are what his stats would be:
Age: 5
Prospect Ranking: 0
MiLB Stats: 9
MLB Stats:3
Total Score: 4.25
It doesn't help he is blocked by Goldschmidt next year during his age 26 season either. I think at release he will have some value for sure to Yankees fans.
Also Luisangel Acuna
Luisangel Acuna is not on this checklist unfortunately. I think he is being saved for Series 2
Where is Jackson jobe
Jobe is not on this checklist. He seems to be held for Series 2!
@ makes sense
Connor norby should 100% be on this list
Yes
Go Nats!
Not looking forward to break prices
No Ben Rice?!?!
Hey Nick, great question!
Here are what his stats would be:
Age: 5
Prospect Ranking: 0
MiLB Stats: 9
MLB Stats:3
Total Score: 4.25
It doesn't help he is blocked by Goldschmidt next year during his age 26 season either. I think at release he will have some value for sure to Yankees fans.
@ LOL I’m just a Yankee fan. I’m sure he doesn’t belong.
Crews had a terrible K/BB ratio, even in the low minors. Staying far away.
Nothing will be as bad as 2021 Topps Series 1 - Skubal was it and no one else
Ahh the year I got back into cards and the worst rookie set of all time lolol
I bought too much 2021 topps chrome. I have alot of blasters sealed.
@ Open them. Probably something decent in there. Like a Keibert Ruiz 1/1 !!!!
@@nicksunfortune5718is he any good.. got a rookie auto to 25 of him somewhere
Tops cooked with the design, but I think the chrome isn’t going to look very good
A bad year ( on paper ) for baseball and basketball rookies.
Sadly in a year most of these will be nobodies.....sigh the trials of being a baseball prospect...
Really not impressed with the rookie class in this release. Feels really underwhelming. I don’t think James Wood has the same level of hype that Elly De La Cruz had for 2024 Series 1.
Overall I don’t think this is a good class the top 2 players might not even be better than Jordan Walker.