∀ Fast Five is a quick list that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection or new focus -- five things that could be fun for a beginner or a new way to add something to your stash if you're a grizzled veteran.
This time? Five MLB rookies who should be on your collecting radar
LEADING THE WAY
Julio Rodriguez -- OF, Seattle Mariners (first MLB prospect cards in 2019; RC logo cards in 2022)
He's played in all but one of his team's games this year and he's looking like a strong candidate for American League Rookie of the Year as we're nearing the All-Star break later this month. As of today, he leads all rookies in hits, runs, homers (tied), RBI (tied), stolen bases and is second in doubles -- and at 21 he's one of the five youngest rookies in the game (all that same age) this year. What do I like here? He's showing 30-30 Club potential (13 homers, 19 stolen bases) and that would be impressive for a young rookie -- Mike Trout did it at 20 and Ronald Acuña Jr. did it at 21. That's good company to be in if he can pull it off. His RC logo cards are still to come this year for the most part while he was among the prospects on the 2021 Bowman's Best checklist, making that his RC by definition.
Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.
A CLOSE SECOND
Bobby Witt Jr. -- SS, Kansas City Royals (first MLB prospect cards in 2020; RC logo cards in 2022)
This second-generation big-leaguer is right there with Rodriguez on the stat sheet in pretty much all areas save for batting average. He's got 20-20 Club potential this year and obviously could do more without the kind of slow start he had -- his batting average was well under .200 for a good chunk of April -- and he, too, is on the young side at 22. Even with his bad stretch, he's second among all rookies in hits, runs and third in homers. He leads all rookies in doubles and triples, too. He has baseball cards as far back as 2018 thanks to Perfect Game and USA Baseball stuff -- some early gems there can be found on the cheap with some looking -- and he also was one of the 2021 Bowman's Best prospects to have a Rookie Card there. His RC logo cards are on the way -- like Rodriguez, he was one of the SP variations in 2022 Topps Series 2 -- and he's got a lot of online-only releases like Topps Now to pick from, too. Both he and J-Rod have a nice combo of speed and power that could be productive in the future.
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RECENT ARRIVAL
Michael Harris -- OF, Atlanta Braves (first MLB prospect cards in 2020; Rookie Cards coming in 2023)
He might be a little off the radar vs. the other guys but you wouldn't know it from the asking prices for his 2020 Bowman Chrome auto seen here. Harris hasn't appeared on any Topps Now cards of his own this year so we may be waiting for a while on any new cards -- mark him down as a 2023 Rookie Card in packs -- but the wait may be worth it. In 31 games, the 21-year-old has hit .325 with four homers, 17 RBI, four steals and 20 runs scored for the defending World Series champs. He does have prospect cards in 2019 Elite Extra Edition, 2020 and 2021 Bowman stuff as well as MiLB issues so there's still stuff to be found ... just not in newly released MLB packs yet. (I suspect we'll see him in more ... he's also in 2022 Panini Absolute Baseball.)
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REMEMBER ME?
Hunter Greene -- SP, Cincinnati Reds (first MLB prospect cards in 2018; Rookie Cards in 2022)
Flip the stat sheet over to rookie pitchers and sort the strikeouts -- that's what matters to me most as a starting point -- and this guy is leading everybody with 93 Ks in 74 innings for the lowly Reds at the bottom of the NL Central. He's been off the hobby radar due to injury in recent seasons after being a heavily watched arrival on MLB cards. He's got a lot of USA Baseball stuff -- as far back as 2014 -- when he was on the 15U squad and a lot of cardboard since. His overall stats are rough -- 3-9 record with a 5.72 ERA -- but there are some serious big-time highlight here at times and that gets me looking.
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LOOK AT THE Ks
Spencer Strider -- SP, Atlanta Braves (first MLB prospect cards in 2020; Rookie Cards in 2022)
He's a fourth-round pick out of Clemson in 2020 with Tommy John surgery in his past -- yet he's a recent add to the Braves rotation with some impressive outings. Last year, he pitched just two innings -- struck out nobody, gave up a homer but still got a win -- but this year he's had six starts (as part of 17 appearances) and presently sits at 3-2 with a 3.05 ERA ... but with 79 strikeouts in 56 innings. He's had at least seven strikeouts in four of his starts and had 11 vs. the Nationals. He's on a roster stacked with young, home-grown players (for the most part) and there are a lot of bargains to be found here if you're a collector right alongside the superstars. His strikeouts aren't a new thing, either, as he had 153 in 94 MiLB innings and 89 in 63 innings at Clemson. Collecting pitchers isn't a given (see the previous guy) but cheap additions could add up well here ... especially if they make another World Series run.
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What would you want to see in a future Fast Five? Let Buzz know on Twitter or email.
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Follow Buzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz or send email to BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.
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