If you’ve spent any time looking at the Oakland Athletics' roster over the last few seasons, you know the name. Tyler Soderstrom was the "chosen one" for a franchise that desperately needed a middle-of-the-order force. He wasn’t just a first-round pick; he was a Northern California kid staying home to save the team. Naturally, the hype train for the Tyler Soderstrom rookie card left the station long before he ever saw a Big League curveball.
But here is the thing. The hobby is weird about what it actually calls a "rookie card."
Most casual collectors see a card from 2024 and think, "Okay, that's the one." Investors? They’ve been buying his stuff since 2020. This gap between the "True RC" and the "1st Bowman" is where people lose money or find massive steals. Right now, in early 2026, we are seeing a massive shift in how people value his early career cardboard, especially after he finally started tapping into that 60-grade power consistently last year.
The 2020 Bowman Draft vs. 2024 Topps Dilemma
Basically, the hobby treats the 2020 Bowman Draft Chrome as the gold standard. Even though his official MLB rookie year was 2023 (and his "RC" badge cards didn't hit flagship sets until 2024), that 2020 card with the "1st Bowman" logo is the one that moves the needle for big-money players.
Why? Because it’s the origin story.
If you're holding a 2024 Topps Series 1 card, you've got a great piece of memorabilia. But if you’re looking for the card that sells for five figures when he makes an All-Star team, you’re looking at the 2020 Bowman Draft Chrome Autographs. Specifically, the SuperFractor version of that card has historically been valued in the $28,000 range. That’s a lot of pressure for a guy still finding his footing in the majors.
The 2024 "True Rookie" cards are much more affordable. You can snag a base 2024 Topps Series 1 for a couple of bucks. It’s the perfect entry point for someone who just likes the player. But if you want to play the investment game, the "1st" logo is king.
Grading and the PSA 10 Reality
Honestly, if you aren't grading these cards, you’re leaving money on the table. A raw Tyler Soderstrom rookie card from the 2020 Bowman Chrome set might only fetch $2 to $5. Send it to PSA, get that Gem Mint 10 slab back, and suddenly you're looking at $25 to $30.
It doesn't sound like much, but do that at scale? It adds up.
Key Cards to Watch in 2026
- 2020 Bowman Draft Chrome Auto (#CDA-TS): This is the holy grail. The Refractor parallels are the safest bets. A PSA 10 base auto usually floats around $175, while the Green Refractor /99 can hit much higher marks depending on his recent OPS.
- 2024 Topps Chrome Sapphire (#244): These are gorgeous. The blue tint of the Sapphire set always commands a premium. It’s a "true" rookie card that actually holds some weight with high-end collectors.
- 2020 Bowman Draft Sapphire Edition (#BD-119): No autograph here, but the rarity and the "1st Bowman" status make it a sleeper pick. A PSA 10 has been seen hovering around $120.
- 2024 Topps Golden Mirror Image Variation: These are the "SSP" (Super Short Print) cards. If you find a 2024 Series 1 Soderstrom with a gold back, don't trade it for a pack of gum. It’s worth over $100 easily.
Is the Hype Justified?
Soderstrom’s stats have been a roller coaster. His 2023 debut was... rough. He hit .160. That's "get sent back to the minors" territory. And he did.
But 2025 was the turning point. He slashed .276 with 25 home runs. That’s the power we were promised. When a player with a 60-power scouting grade actually starts hitting homers in the bigs, his card prices react instantly. You've probably noticed that his 2024 Topps Chrome Autographs are starting to trend up because collectors are finally realizing he isn't a "bust."
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He’s only 24. Most catchers (or first basemen, depending on where the A's stick him this week) don't peak until their late 20s. Buying a Tyler Soderstrom rookie card right now feels like a bet on his prime.
What Most People Miss
The A's moving to Las Vegas (eventually) is a weird factor no one talks about. New city, new market, new fans. Usually, when a team moves, there’s a surge in interest for their "legacy" young stars. Soderstrom is the face of that transition.
Also, check the "Rookie Debut" cards. Most collectors hate them. They think they’re "filler." But in 2024 Topps Update, the Soderstrom Rookie Debut card is often overlooked, meaning you can find low-numbered parallels (like the Mother’s Day Pink or Independence Day) for way less than they should be.
Actionable Strategy for Collectors
If you're looking to actually do something with this information, stop buying base cards. They are overprinted. Focus on the "1st Bowman" Chrome parallels or the 2024 "True RC" colored refractors.
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Look for "Refractor" or "Prizm" versions. Anything serial-numbered /499 or less is generally where the long-term value stays. If you’re buying raw cards on eBay, look closely at the centering. Topps has had some "off-day" issues with centering in 2024, and a card that’s leaning too far to the left won’t get that PSA 10 you need for the premium price.
Finally, keep an eye on his strikeout rate. If he keeps it under 25%, his card prices will stay stable. If he starts whiffing like he did in 2023, it’s time to sell before the floor drops.
Inventory Check: Check your boxes for the 2020 Bowman Draft Paper cards. While not as valuable as Chrome, the "1st" logo still carries weight, and you might have a $10 bill sitting in a shoebox.
Watch the Variations: The 2024 Topps Series 1 "Stars of MLB" inserts are basically worthless. Don't let a seller convince you they are rare. Stick to the flagship "white border" cards or the Chrome parallels.
Market Timing: The best time to buy baseball is usually November. The best time to sell is March. If Soderstrom has a hot Spring Training in 2026, those 2020 Autos are going to pop. High-risk, high-reward—just like a Soderstrom swing at a 3-1 fastball.