Understanding the shifting dynamics of the prospect card market requires a fresh, data-driven perspective. Enter the latest edition of “Who’s Up?”, where we analyze the top price movers across 7-, 14-, 30-, and 60-day timeframes. This unique approach allows us to separate fleeting market reactions from genuine, performance-driven trends.
By aligning price changes with key milestones like MLB debuts, trades, and injury recoveries, we deliver insights that highlight how collectors respond to performance, progression, and potential. From breakout stars making waves in the majors to under-the-radar risers showing promise in the minors, we uncover the stories behind the data.
Our analysis emphasizes five consistent drivers behind prospect card prices: elite recent production, significant developmental milestones, contextually strong performances, recoveries from setbacks, and the art of balancing objective statistics with instinctive market behavior. Whether you’re collecting for fun or investing for the long term, these insights are designed to guide your decision-making in a complex, evolving market.
Top 5 7-Day Risers
1. Jesus Baez: $8.70 → $25.62 (+194%) 7-Day Stats: AVG 0.222 | ISO 0.334 | wRC+ 200 | HR 1 | Games 3 *Traded to the Cardinals on 7/30/25 14-Day #3
Analysis: Jesus Baez experienced a dramatic 194% increase in his card prices, climbing from $8.70 to $25.62, driven primarily by an impressive recent performance (.334 ISO, 200 wRC+). His limited but impactful hitting and exceptional plate discipline (33.3% walk rate) created significant short-term market enthusiasm.
Recommendation: Sell/Hold The sharp increase in Baez’s value reflects speculative interest rather than sustained proven performance. Consider selling now and monitor closely for opportunities if he achieves more consistent production.
Analysis: Warming Bernabel’s MLB debut sparked a 190% jump in card prices, from $5.60 to $16.26. His outstanding initial performances (.389 AVG, .444 ISO, 234 wRC+, 2 HR) demonstrate elite power and immediate market appeal.
Recommendation: Sell The current price surge heavily factors in his immediate success. Selling at peak speculative value is advisable. Watch for sustained MLB performance to identify future buying opportunities.
Analysis: Jeremiah Jackson’s recent promotion to the Baltimore Orioles on July 31, 2025, ignited a 115% surge in his card prices, jumping from $5.49 to $11.79 over the past week. Despite not yet playing in an MLB game, his brief 2-game minor-league performance (.375 AVG, .125 ISO, 152 wRC+) has boosted speculation around his potential.
Performance Context: Jackson's 14-day performance further illustrates his strong hitting ability (.375 AVG, 3 HRs, .312 ISO, 197.6 wRC+ across 8 games). His season stats (.313 AVG, .224 ISO, 135 wRC+, 15 HRs) highlight a consistently productive hitter with solid contact skills (14.2% strikeout rate).
Longer-Term Context: Jackson is slightly older than typical prospects debuting at the MLB level, and he historically hasn't generated significant hobby interest. The recent price increase reflects speculative buying driven by promotion news rather than proven MLB performance.
Recommendation: Sell Jackson’s older age profile and previous lack of hobby attention limit the sustainability of his current price jump. Selling now to capitalize on speculative interest is advisable. Monitor closely for potential buying opportunities if he establishes himself with consistent MLB performance.
Analysis: Cobb Hightower experienced a notable 92% increase in card prices, rising from $10.37 to $19.89, following an outstanding performance over the past week. His .450 AVG and impressive 180 wRC+ across 4 games highlight his advanced contact abilities and exceptional speed.
Performance Context: Despite recent success, Hightower has shown limited power potential (ISO .100), suggesting his value will heavily depend on sustained high-contact production and speed-driven metrics. His overall season performance at Single-A (.239/.363/.314) emphasizes plate discipline but reveals ongoing challenges in power development.
Longer-Term Context: As a Single-A prospect with modest power, Hightower faces considerable developmental hurdles. His profile is appealing in terms of athleticism and contact ability, but significant progress will be necessary to justify sustained collector interest.
Recommendation: Sell Given the speculative nature of this recent surge and the fundamental limitations of his current skill set and level, selling now represents a prudent move. Monitor Hightower closely for future signs of meaningful development.
5. Luke Adams: $14.51 → $27.80 (+92%) 7-Day Stats: AVG N/A | ISO N/A | wRC+ N/A | HR 0 | Games 0 *Placed on the 7-day injured list on 6/20/25 with a left shoulder contusion 60-Day #2
Analysis: Despite not playing for over a month due to injury, Luke Adams' card prices rose 92%, from $14.51 to $27.80, driven primarily by market speculation and correction. Adams was previously selling for $20-$30+ prior to his injury, and prices subsequently dropped significantly. Collectors remain intrigued by his strong pre-injury performance (.241/.422/.477, 11 HRs, 10 steals) and his appealing combination of power, speed, and discipline relative to his age and league average.
Recommendation: Hold/Buy The recent spike appears speculative due to his injury absence. Consider buying/holding if confident in his recovery and continued development.
6. Tyler Locklear: $11.67 → $20.00 (+71%) 7-Day Stats: AVG .231 | ISO .231 | wRC+ 116 | HR 1 | Games 4 *Traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks on 7/31/25. According to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, the Diamondbacks plan to utilize Locklear as their primary starting first baseman. 14-Day #5, 30-Day #4, 60-Day #3
Analysis: Tyler Locklear’s prices rose 71%, from $11.67 to $20.00, following his promotion to MLB after an exceptional Triple-A season (.316/.401/.542). Despite initial MLB struggles, his promotion and anticipated prominent role with the Diamondbacks provide short-term appeal.
Recommendation: Sell Given his previous MLB struggles and uncertain sustainability of this price spike, selling to capitalize on current interest is recommended. Continued strong MLB performance could later offer a buying opportunity at a stable price.
Analysis: Cristhian Vaquero's outstanding recent performances (.417 AVG, 1 HR, .500 ISO, 286 wRC+) led to a 69% rise in prices. His blend of athleticism, switch-hitting ability, and recent growth in power and discipline presents significant long-term hobby upside.
Recommendation: Hold/Buy Carefully Monitor Vaquero closely, as he represents a high-risk, high-reward scenario. His continued developmental progress could justify investment at current prices.
8. Moises Ballesteros: $21.99 → $35.80 (+63%) 7-Day Stats: AVG .333 | ISO .133 | wRC+ 130 | HR 0 | Games 4 @ AAA, 1 @ MLB. 7-Day Stats reflective of MiLB games. *Recalled to the MLB on 7/30/25. 1 double, 3 RBI in his first big league game since 5/19/25. 14-Day #8
Analysis: Moises Ballesteros’ recall to MLB and dominant AAA performance (.332/.393/.496) increased his hobby appeal, reflected by a 63% price rise. His MLB potential remains intriguing, though sustained major-league success is essential.
Recommendation: Hold/Buy Ballesteros previously peaked around $60; current trajectory suggests potential to regain that valuation with consistent MLB success. Monitor his MLB performance closely before making further moves.
Analysis: Dylan Beavers' recent power surge and disciplined approach (.312 AVG, .250 ISO, 204 wRC+) have boosted his prices significantly. His season stats (.306/.417/.507, 14 HRs) reinforce his value, but limited sales volume indicates constrained hobby interest.
Recommendation: Hold/Sell Limited market activity and current high valuation suggest selling now to capture peak prices. The absence of widespread hobby interest further supports this recommendation.
Watch Path to the Show on Bally Sports Live & Stadium! | Amateur and Dynasty Team Writer/Podcaster | I love the Tennessee Volunteers, milk, pitchers, catchers, & you <3 P4:13
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
Dynasty player of 10+ years. Helping you find the building blocks of your championship rosters as a co-host on the Dynasty Baseball Pickups podcast since mid-season 2023, joined Prospects Live at the start of 2024.
