Are you curious about how the 2026 MLB season has shaped up so far and what that means for your sports card investments? As we reach the halfway point of the year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the biggest hobby news, standout players, and what trends are emerging in the hobby landscape. This post will give you a detailed review of the season’s highlights, key players to watch, and actionable insights to help you navigate the hobby market effectively.Throughout this article, I’ll break down major updates—from licensing changes to product shifts—and spotlight players from each team experiencing notable hobby relevance. Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to sports cards, understanding these dynamics will help you make smarter buying and selling decisions going forward.Let’s dive into what’s been happening so far this year and explore the top players who are making waves in the hobby right now.
Major Hobby News of 2026: Licensing, Product, and Market Shifts
The first half of 2026 has seen significant changes in the sports card industry, with licensing deals, product variations, and grading adjustments shaping the market.The End of the Montgomery ClubOne of the most talked-about developments was the cancellation of the Montgomery Club — a premium access program that granted hobbyists early and exclusive product drops. Fans loved it because it made high-end products more accessible without waiting in long lines or risking reselling chaos. Its removal is viewed as a setback, leading to disappointment among serious collectors who appreciated the convenience and exclusivity.New Fanatics Credit Card & Product Access ChangesIn its place, Fanatics has announced a new credit card offering early access to product drops. Many hobbyists are wary of this shift, perceiving it as a move towards exclusivity based on creditworthiness rather than genuine collector demand. This change indicates a strategic pivot from the previous model, potentially impacting demand and access in the hobby.The Licensing Shake-up: NBA & NFLTopps’s recent acquisition of NBA and NFL licenses has been a game-changer, earning praise for quality products like Topps Chrome basketball and NFL cards. However, there’s some caveats; for example, traditional favorites like National Treasures and Color Blast are being phased out, and certain favorite inserts will no longer be produced. The loss of Panini’s longstanding licenses has opened up market opportunities for Topps, but also leaves a hole in the product diversity collectors are used to.Product Changes & Price TrendsTopps Chrome Baseball has seen a decrease in autos per jumbo box—from 5 to just 2—partly due to checklist reductions. While this lowers auto odds, it also makes autos scarcer, which could increase their value, especially if autos are already difficult to find in the hobby.PSA Grading Pause & Its ImpactsA notable development is PSA’s pause on value subgrades, which creates scarcity for graded cards during the pause. Waiting times are lengthening, and as a result, graded hits and rookies are becoming even more scarce. This scarcity can boost prices for high-quality graded cards down the line but may also slow buying across the market for now.
Player Spotlight: The Most Hobby-Relevant Players by Team (Midseason Outlook)
Now, let’s explore some of the most hobby-relevant players so far this season, covering stars, breakout performers, and promising prospects. This guide helps you identify players whose cards may be poised for potential value appreciation or opportunities to buy low.Arizona Diamondbacks: Corbin CarrollCorbin Carroll has been quietly dominant, taking advantage of his rookie year’s buzz. He leads the league in triples and maintains over a 900 OPS, signaling a strong year. Despite less hobby hype than top-tier stars, his numbers suggest he’s an undervalued player — worth watching as a potential breakout star.Atlanta Braves: Drake BaldwinFollowing up on his Rookie of the Year award, Drake Baldwin has continued his strong performance, with an OPS over 800. As a catcher with consistent production, Baldwin’s cards should gain more attention, especially if he maintains his solid stats.Baltimore Orioles: Adley RutschmanAdley Rutschman has shown signs of rebounding after a slower start. His improved season and potential for continued growth make him a solid buy-low candidate, particularly if his cards dip on the back of team struggles.Boston Red Sox: Marcelo MayerMayer’s season has been up and down, but recent improvements suggest a potential comeback. With over 200 at-bats and a rising OPS among prospects, Mayer might be an undervalued buy opportunity for future growth.Chicago White Sox: Munetaka MurakamiMurakami’s rookie cards remain highly sought after. Despite injury setbacks, he’s a power-hitting star with over 20 home runs. The hobby is excited about his future, but prices might be inflated, so patience could pay off.Chicago Cubs: Pete Crow-ArmstrongThis former top prospect has heated up, with an OPS nearing 900. He’s a player to watch if you’re looking for a high-upside outfield prospect with perennial hobby potential.Cincinnati Reds: Chase BurnsBurns has turned his season around, starting with a 9-1 record and a 2.00 ERA. His rebound signals a promising future, making him worth considering for future scouting and rookie card investment.Cleveland Guardians: Travis BazzanaBazzana has had a strong start since being called up, with an 802 OPS and potential for 30-30 seasons. His youthful talent suggests future hobby relevance, especially if he maintains performance.Colorado Rockies: TJ RumfieldAlthough technically a former Yankee, Rumfield has been impressive for Colorado with an OPS over 840. Future products might feature him more prominently, making his rookie cards intriguing for collectors.Detroit Tigers: Kevin McGonagallMcGonagall has been solid with an OPS above 800 but lacks power. His profile suggests he’s a good short-term hold but may not be a long-term hobby all-star unless his power develops.Houston Astros: Yordan AlvarezYordan continues to excel, leading in runs, home runs, and OPS—an MVP-caliber performance. His cards are likely to climb, especially if he sustains his elite numbers.Kansas City Royals: Jac CaglioneCaglione's recent hot streak, including multiple home runs over a week, makes his rookie cards an interesting buy-low opportunity as he approaches full maturity.Los Angeles Dodgers: Shohei OtaniOtani remains the league’s most exciting player, ready to win another MVP. His dual-threat performance fuels high demand for his cards, and he’s a cornerstone for hobby growth.Miami Marlins: Otto LopezWhile not a superstar, Lopez’s league-leading hits and batting average make him a sleeper for collectors looking to find undervalued players.Milwaukee Brewers: Jacob MizMiz’s dominance with an ERA below 1.50 and high strikeout counts makes him a top pitching prospect. His cards deserve closer attention for future value.Minnesota Twins: Byron BuxtonDespite injury issues, Buxton’s power numbers are impressive, especially his 25 HRs. Keep an eye on his health status for potential hobby gains.New York Mets: AJ Ewing & Carson BengeAs rookies, these two have started slowly but are showing promise. Their cards are worth monitoring for future technical or performance surges.New York Yankees: Ben Rice & Cam SchlitterBoth pitchers are shining, with Schlitter leading AL in ERA. If they maintain their current pace, their cards could see appreciation as future stars.Oakland Athletics: Nick Kurtz & Gage JumpKurtz’s league-leading RBIs and walks highlight his bat, while Jump’s promising debut with a 2.04 ERA make them notable prospects.Philadelphia Phillies: Kyle SchwarberDespite his high home run total, Schwarber’s hobby appeal is limited due to his plate approach. Still, he remains a notable power hitter.Pittsburgh Pirates: Kyna GriffinRecent call-up Griffin has been steady. His progression suggests he could be a top-tier player in the coming years, making his rookie cards a potential investment.San Francisco Giants: Bryce EldridgeAt only 21, Eldridge’s OPS of 874 signals a bright future. He’s a sleeper prospect with room to grow in both the field and hobby valuation.Seattle Mariners: Cal RaleighComing off a strong season, Raleigh’s decline this year’s OPS of 166 is disappointing. Collectors should wait for his prices to dip before considering a buy.St. Louis Cardinals: JJ WeatherholtStarting since opening day, Weatherholt’s consistent OPS of 775 makes him a reliable, if not spectacular, rookie option.Tampa Bay Rays: Junior CamineroA sleeper, Caminero’s OPS over 860 suggests a potential breakout year. Buy low now before the hobby fully recognizes his talent.Texas Rangers: Wyatt LangfordLangford finally hitting five homers in a week hints at a turning point. His advanced metrics are promising, so this might be the last chance to buy low on him.Toronto Blue Jays: Trey YesavageAfter returning from injury, Yesavage shows promise with striking out 58 batters in 60 innings. His rookie cards could benefit from continued success.Washington Nationals: James WoodWood’s OPS over 900, along with his league-leading walks and runs, positions him as a top future star—great for investors seeking underpriced prospects.
Final Thoughts: What This Means for Your Hobby Strategy
With half the season behind us, now is a strategic moment to reassess your collection. The key trends to watch include scarcity-driven prices due to the PSA grading pause, the impact of licensing shifts on product values, and emerging rookies or prospects poised for breakout seasons.Focus on players with upward trajectories, especially those undervalued based on their season performance and hobby hype. Keep an eye on product releases and prices, and be ready to pounce on buy-low opportunities before prices align with their true potential.Remember, successful hobby investing balances market awareness with patience and knowledge. Use this midseason recap as your guide to navigate the second half of 2026 confidently.
FAQ Section
What is the biggest hobby news of 2023 so far?
The cancellation of the Montgomery Club and the shift towards new licensing and product strategies are the most impactful changes. Additionally, PSA’s grading pause is creating scarcity that could impact card values.
Which players should I be watching in 2023?
Players like Corbin Carroll, Yordan Alvarez, Shohei Otani, and promising prospects like Bryce Eldridge are showing strong performance and hobby relevance.
How does product change affect card prices?
Decreased autos per box and checklist reductions in products like Topps Chrome Baseball could make autos scarcer, potentially pushing prices higher for high-demand cards.
Should I buy low on underrated prospects?
Yes. Players like Junior Caminero or James Wood are undervalued right now but have the potential to rise significantly as their seasons develop.
Summary
This midseason review highlights key market shifts and promising players to watch, equipping you with the knowledge to make smarter decisions and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the 2023 sports card hobby. Keep track of licensing changes, product shifts, and player performances—these are your tools for success in navigating the second half of the year and beyond.