World Series MVPs Since 2010: The Ultimate Rookie Card Guide
Since 2010, numerous World Series MVPs have left their mark on baseball, and for collectors, the essential rookie cards of these players have become highly sought after. Here's a rundown of the key rookie cards for each MVP, offering a glimpse into a decade of championship heroes.
In 2010, Édgar Rentería led the San Francisco Giants to victory. His notable rookie cards include the 1994 Bowman #94 and 1994 Bowman's Best #63. David Freese followed in 2011 with a legendary postseason for the St. Louis Cardinals, with his 2009 Topps #643 being his essential card.
Pablo Sandoval’s MVP performance in 2012 made his 2006 Bowman Chrome - Prospects #BC181 a hot commodity. The next year, David Ortiz capped off a storied career with his third championship, making his 1997 Fleer Ultra #518 (listed as David Arias) an essential find for any collection.
Madison Bumgarner’s dominance in 2014 placed his 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks #BDPP61 in the spotlight. Salvador Pérez followed with his 2012 Topps Chrome #124 Refractor Rookie Card after a memorable 2015.
From 2016 onward, players like Ben Zobrist, George Springer, and Steve Pearce saw their rookie cards rise in value, with Springer's 2011 Bowman Draft Prospects Chrome Refractor #BDPP61 standing out.
The 2020s have been marked by the stellar performances of Stephen Strasburg, Corey Seager, and Jorge Soler. Seager, notably a two-time MVP in 2020 and 2023, making his 2012 Bowman Draft Chrome Autograph #BCA-CS card as a must-have.
Jeremy Peña wrapped up 2022 with a breakout performance as world series MVP and made his 2020 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs - #CPA-JP a key card for collectors today.
Below is the complete list of all fourteen (14) MLB World Series MVPs since 2010 as well as two of thier essential rookie cards.
MVP Year | Player Name | Key WS Stats | Essential RC #1 | Essential RC #2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2010 | Edgar Renteria (SFG) | .412 Avg | 1994 Bowman | 1994 Bowman's Best |
2011 | David Freese (STL) | .348 Avg | 2009 Topps | 2009 Bowman Prospects |
2012 | Pablo Sandoval (SFG) | .500 Avg | 2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects | 2008 Topps Red Hot Rookies Refractor #14 |
2013 | David Ortiz (BOS) | .688 Avg | 1997 Fleer Ultra | 1997 Topps - Prospects |
2014 | Madison Bumgarner (SFG) | 2 Wins, 1 SV | 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects | 2010 Topps |
2015 | Salvador Perez (KC) | .364 Avg | 2012 Topps Chrome Refractor #124 | 2010 Bowman Chrome Prospects |
2016 | Ben Zobrist (CHC) | .357 Avg | 2006 Topps Update | 2006 Topps 1952 Rookie Auto #52S-BZ |
2017 | George Springer (HOU) | .379 Avg | 2011 Bowman Draft Prospects Refractor | 2014 Topps Update |
2018 | Steve Pearce (BOS) | .333 Avg | 2008 Upper Deck SPx Rookie Auto | 2008 Topps Finest Rookie Autograph |
2019 | Stephen Strasburg (WSH) | 2 Wins | 2010 Topps Chrome Refractor | 2010 Topps Update #661 |
2020 | Corey Seager (LAD) | .400 Avg | 2012 Bowman Chrome Draft Autograph | 2010 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects #BDPP108 |
2021 | Jorge Soler (ATL) | .300 Avg | 2012 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto | 2015 Topps Chrome Refractor |
2022 | Jeremy Pena (HOU) | .400 Avg | 2020 Bowman Chrome - Prospect Autographs | 2020 Bowman Chrome Prospects |
2023 | Corey Seager (TEX) | 3 HRs | 2012 Bowman Chrome Draft Autograph | 2010 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects #BDPP108 |
Bio: Matt Schilling, a lifelong sportscard collector and a proud graduate of Towson University (Class of 2006) who currently resides in Queens, New York, is one of the newest contributing authors to the Collectibles segment now featured on http://SI.com