Wander Franco Rookie Cards: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re a baseball card collector, you’ve probably heard the name Wander Franco. As one of MLB’s top prospects, Franco has gained a lot of attention from hobbyists. With over 1,700 different Wander Franco cards already in circulation since his call-up to the Rays in June 2021, collectors have plenty of options to choose from. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the standout Wander Franco Rookie Cards and provide information on where to purchase them.

2021 Bowman’s Best Wander Franco Rookie Card #50

Initially, collectors expected to wait until 2022 for the first Wander Franco Rookie Card. However, 2021 Bowman’s Best Baseball changed the game by combining veterans and prospects in one set. Franco’s card is now part of the mainstream base set, featuring current players like Mike Trout and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. This card meets all the criteria of being an RC (Rookie Card) and has generated a lot of buzz among collectors.

Franco’s Finest: Top Early Wander Franco Cards

While there are numerous Wander Franco cards available, a couple of them stand out as benchmarks for his earliest releases. These cards have set the pace for his minor league and prospect cards before his arrival in Tampa Bay.

2019 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs Wander Franco #CPA-WF

Considered by many collectors to be Franco’s top card, the 2019 Bowman Chrome Wander Franco autograph holds significant value. It’s his first MLB autograph card and features stunning refractors that add a pop of color. In fact, a Red Refractor parallel of this card recently sold for an impressive $193,200.

2019 Bowman Chrome Prospects Wander Franco #BCP100

For those seeking a more affordable option, the 2019 Bowman Chrome Prospects card is an excellent choice. While technically an insert and not a Rookie Card, it has gained popularity and is often regarded as a Wander Franco Rookie Card. With its diverse selection of refractors, this card offers collectors more readily available and affordable alternatives.

First Francos: Other Key Early Wander Franco Cards

Here are some of Wander Franco’s earliest cards from 2018 and 2019. While this list is not exhaustive, it provides a glimpse into the range of options available.

2018 Elite Extra Edition Wander Franco #67

The only Panini product in 2018 to feature Wander Franco, Elite Extra Edition offers his base card at an affordable price. Numbered to 999, this card stands out with its foil stock, reminiscent of Elite’s history.

2018 Elite Extra Edition Autographs Wander Franco #67

This autograph card from 2018 Elite Extra Edition features on-card signatures and offers collectors distinct signs of authenticity. Check for the absence of serial numbering on the base autograph and the Panini authenticity statement on the back.

2018 Leaf Flash Wander Franco #BA-WF1 Autograph

2018 Leaf Flash Baseball presents Franco’s autograph using a unique chromium stock with a speckled background. This card adds a touch of elegance and stands out amongst collectors.

2018 Leaf Metal Draft Wander Franco #BA-WF1 Autograph

Offering a more affordable alternative to the 2019 Bowman Chrome autograph, 2018 Leaf Metal Draft features a similar chromium layout. The hard-signed autograph makes this card highly sought after by collectors.

2018 Leaf Trinity Signatures Clear Autographs Wander Franco #CA-WF1

Part of the Leaf Trinity line, the Clear Autographs card showcases Franco’s signature on an acetate stock. The translucent card adds an element of uniqueness to his collection.

2018 Leaf Trinity Signatures Wander Franco #A-WF1

With a clean and elegant design, the Signatures card is a popular choice among collectors. While Franco’s card does not include inscriptions, the simplicity of this card is its charm.

2018 Leaf Trinity Patch Autographs Wander Franco #PA-WF1

Completing the trilogy, the Patch Autograph card features Franco’s signature alongside a jumbo patch piece. The inclusion of game-worn gear adds a unique touch to this card.

2018 Leaf Ultimate Draft Wander Franco #BA-WF1 Autograph

With its iconic 1990 Leaf Baseball design, 2018 Leaf Ultimate Draft combines modern prospecting with a touch of nostalgia. Franco’s card in this set provides a more affordable option for collectors.

2018 Leaf Valiant Wander Franco #BA-WF1 Autograph

Featuring a unique silver background, 2018 Leaf Valiant stands out among other Wander Franco cards. With its low print run and on-card signature, this card offers great value to collectors.

2018 Princeton Rays Grandstand Wander Franco

For fans of regional minor league cards, Franco’s card from his time with the Princeton Rays is a must-have. While not overly scarce, it offers a unique piece of Franco’s journey and is available through specialized dealers.

2019 Bowman Chrome 30th Anniversary Autographs Wander Franco #B30-WF /30 (Bowman), B30A-WF /99 (Bowman Draft)

To commemorate 30 years of Bowman, Topps released special anniversary autograph cards in 2019. Franco has two different autograph cards in this set, with limited print runs, making them highly sought after by collectors.

2019 Bowman Chrome Mega Box Autographs Wander Franco #BMA-WF

Exclusive to Target, the 2019 Bowman Chrome Mega Box offers a unique “Mojo” background pattern on the cards. Franco’s autograph card from this set features a different photo and stands out in any collection.

2019 Bowman Chrome Bowman Sterling Continuity Wander Franco #BS-10

Initially an insert set in 2019 Bowman Baseball, Bowman Sterling became a standalone release. The Sterling Continuity card is more accessible than Franco’s Bowman Chrome Prospects card and offers a great addition to any collection.

2019 Bowman Chrome Draft Sapphire Wander Franco #WDC93

Adding a touch of chaos with its shard-like background, the 2019 Bowman Chrome Draft Sapphire card is a limited edition gem. With its lower print runs, this card offers collectors a unique and valuable addition to their collections.

2019 Bowman Heritage Chrome Prospect Autographs Wander Franco #53PAWF

Drawing inspiration from 1953 Bowman Baseball, 2019 Bowman Heritage offers a distinctive card design. While lacking player names on the front, Franco’s autograph stands out, making this card a popular choice among collectors.

2019 Bowman Platinum Top Prospect Autographs Wander Franco #TOP9

Exclusive to Walmart, 2019 Bowman Platinum features foil cards with Franco’s Top Prospect Autograph being a standout among them. This sticker autograph card offers collectors an affordable option to add to their collections.

2019 Bowman Sterling Prospect Autographs #BSPA-WF

Originally an insert in 2019 Bowman Baseball, Bowman Sterling also became a standalone release. This set’s focus is on autograph redemption packs, making it a great choice for collectors looking for bulk autographs.

2019 Bowman’s Best Best of 2019 Autographs Wander Franco #B19-WF

Finally, we have the 2019 Bowman’s Best Best of 2019 Wander Franco autograph. This card offers an on-card signature, Chrome stock, and features Franco in his MLB uniform. Compared to his Bowman Chrome Prospect Autograph, this card provides an affordable alternative for collectors.

2021 Topps Now Wander Franco #402

After Franco’s major league debut, Topps wasted no time in releasing his first baseball card. The 2021 Topps Now card captures the excitement of his debut and quickly became the best-selling Topps Now baseball card. This card is available in various parallels, including autographed memorabilia versions.

We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into the world of Wander Franco Rookie Cards. Remember, these cards are highly sought after, so be sure to keep an eye out for new releases and exciting additions to his collection. Happy collecting!

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