Are Wander Franco Rookie Cards still worth anything in 2024?

By Arslan Saleem April 16, 2024 12:27

In 2021, Wander Franco, the star shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays, made waves in the baseball card market with his sensational rookie season, breaking sales records and fetching astronomical prices for his cards.

But recent allegations of sexual exploitation against Franco have caused a significant decline in the value of his once highly sought-after autographed cards.

The Current Market Value

The market value of Wander Franco rookie cards has seen a substantial decline due to the allegations.

According to Card Ladder, an online platform for trading card sales, the value index of 27 of his most valuable cards had a decline rate of 77% at the end of 2023.

Also, there has been a steep decline of 67% since July 2023, one month before Franco was first placed on administrative leave by MLB after the allegations surfaced.

The accusations of sexual exploitation have damaged the value of his once desired autographed cards, leading to a decrease in their market worth.

For instance, a rare 2019 Bowman Chrome Gold Refractor Auto Franco card bought for $4,364 in June sold for $936 in October, indicating a significant drop in value.

Factors Affecting the Value

The allegations have had a catastrophic impact on the value of Franco's rookie cards, making it a risky proposition for collectors and investors.

The risky nature of investing in active players, especially those facing controversies, has become evident in Franco's case.

The uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the allegations and its potential impact on his career has led to a significant decline in the market value of his cards.

Current Prices and Trends

The current prices of Wander Franco rookie cards reflect the impact of the allegations on the market. Prices for these cards have seen a notable decrease, with trends showing a significant drop in value for graded and ungraded cards.

For example, a 2019 Bowman Chrome card featuring Franco in Tampa Bay gear sold for a staggering $198,030 in May 2021, but the current market value has declined substantially due to the allegations.

According to SportsCardsPro and PriceGuide.Cards, prices for Franco's rookie cards are trending at much lower values than their previous peaks.

The Future Outlook

Despite the current decline in value, the future outlook for Wander Franco rookie cards remains uncertain. The outcome of the allegations and its potential impact on his career will likely continue to influence the market value of his cards.

The ongoing investigation and any subsequent developments will significantly affect the perception of Franco among collectors and investors.

As part of the overall investment thesis, some collectors are monitoring the situation closely and considering potential future scenarios.

The possibility of Franco overcoming the hurdles and regaining his standing as a star athlete could lead to a resurgence in the value of his rookie cards.

But the uncertainty surrounding the allegations has created a sense of caution among collectors and investors.

In 2024, the market value of Wander Franco rookie cards has been significantly impacted by the allegations of sexual exploitation.

The once highly sought-after cards have seen a substantial decline in value, reflecting the risky nature of investing in active players facing controversies.

Despite the current decline, the future outlook for Franco's rookie cards remains uncertain, and the market will likely continue to react to developments related to the allegations.

Collectors and investors are advised to closely monitor the situation and consider the potential impact on the market value of Wander Franco rookie cards in the coming months and years.

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