Top Rookies to Chase in 2026 Topps Series 1

Jac Caglianone, Roman Anthony among top prospects to watch in new baseball card release

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The 2026 Topps Series 1 baseball card release is set to drop this week, and the rookie class is once again the main driver of demand and long-term value. This year's checklist features several top prospects worth paying attention to, including Jac Caglianone of the Kansas City Royals, Roman Anthony of the Boston Red Sox, and Kyle Teel of the Chicago White Sox.

Why it matters

Rookie cards are a crucial part of the baseball card hobby, as collectors and investors seek out the next big stars. A strong rookie class can make or break the success of a new Topps Series 1 release, so identifying the top prospects to watch is important for both break buyers and singles collectors.

The details

Caglianone, the No. 6 overall pick in 2024, is one of the most anticipated rookie cards in the set thanks to his combination of name recognition and early MLB opportunity, despite an underwhelming first stint in the majors. Anthony has been a top Red Sox prospect for multiple seasons and reached the majors in 2025, posting a strong on-base profile and earning an everyday role in Boston. Teel, a former Red Sox prospect, made an instant impact in his rookie season, separating himself from most catching prospects with his bat.

  • The 2026 Topps Series 1 release drops this Wednesday (February 12, 2026).
  • Caglianone reached the majors in 2025.
  • Anthony reached the majors in 2025 and played 71 games.
  • Teel reached the majors in 2025 and had 297 plate appearances.

The players

Jac Caglianone

A first baseman/outfielder in the Kansas City Royals organization, Caglianone was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft and is one of the most anticipated rookie cards in the 2026 Topps Series 1 set.

Roman Anthony

An outfielder in the Boston Red Sox organization, Anthony has been a top prospect for the team and reached the majors in 2025, posting a strong on-base profile and earning an everyday role.

Kyle Teel

A catcher in the Chicago White Sox organization, Teel made an instant impact in his rookie season, separating himself from most catching prospects with his bat.

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What they’re saying

“The 2026 Topps Series 1 release drops this Wednesday and it marks the official start of the new baseball card season. As always, the rookie class is the main driver of demand and long-term value in Series 1, and this year's checklist gives collectors several names worth paying attention to right away.”

— Steve Buchanan, Author (draftkings.com)

What’s next

Collectors will be closely monitoring the performance of these top rookie cards as the 2026 MLB season unfolds, as strong on-field production could lead to significant increases in their value on the secondary market.

The takeaway

The 2026 Topps Series 1 rookie class features several highly touted prospects who have already made their MLB debuts, making their flagship rookie cards must-have items for both new and experienced collectors. Identifying the top names to chase will be crucial for break buyers and singles collectors looking to get in on the ground floor of the next generation of baseball stars.