Carlos Correa and his top 3 rookie cards

Of the many dynamic young players in baseball today the Houston Astro’s Carlos Correa is probably one of the names that you will find at the top of the wish list of many collectors.

Correa is still only 22 years old, and yet he has already put together almost two full seasons of all-star caliber production. Beginning as a 20-year-old in 2015, in just 99 games, Correa put up 22 HRs, with a .279/.345/.512 batting line, and 4.1 WAR, with above average defense at one of the hardest positions on the field.

In an excellent article by Fangraphs, the underlying metrics prove that his production was not luck, and that he does indeed have the raw skill to support his surface stats.

In 2016, Correa’s overall line was similar to his rookie season, but with a little less power (.451 SLG vs .512 and 20 HRs in 153 games vs 22 HRs in 99 games).

However, we shouldn’t be too disappointed in those power numbers considering it came from a 21-year-old who will still develop and build a lot more strength in the coming years. Playing in his first full season Correa would go on to put a very strong 5.9 WAR season.

With time on his side the arrow is pointing up on Correa and he will spend at least the next half decade battling amongst the likes of Corey Seager, Francisco Lindor and Xander Bogaerts for the title of best shortstop in the game.

For collectors who interested in getting in Carlos Correa here are three cards to consider.

2013 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto #BCP-CC

As is the case with any modern baseball player, Correa’s prized card among collectors is his Bowman Chrome prospect auto card.

It is his first autograph in a Houston Astros jersey, and has the strength of the Bowman Chrome brand name.

In addition to the base autograph the card is also available in a series of colored refractor parallels.

2013 Bowman Chrome Inception #PA-CC

The Bowman Inception series is an all autograph product, so if you purchased the product every prospect you pulled was a prospect auto.

For collectors who are scared of the Bowman Chrome price, this card should be a little more attainable.

The Bowman Inception Series also brings an artistic flair to the brand, which some collectors really enjoy.

2012 Panini Elite Extra Edition #101

While Topps elected to pass on including Correa in any of their 2012 products, collectors could first find his prospect cards in Leaf or Panini products.

Of the different cards that came from these brands, the Panini Elite Extra Edition is one of the more appealing ones to collect.

The card design is very crisp, and the base auto is also serial numbered to 470.

DK