2026 Topps Series 1 Rookie Chase Tiers
As we head into spring training and the release of 2026 Topps Series 1, we want to set expectations for the top chases in this rookie class — and yes, we’re covering every rookie name in Series 1.
Check out the full checklist here: 👉 2026 Topps Series 1 Baseball Checklist
How to Read These Tiers
A quick note before we get into the tiers:
Rookie markets are almost always hottest at release. From there, the hobby tends to sort players into two buckets quickly:
- Everyday roles + performance = sustained demand
- Unclear roles or slow starts = the hobby moves on (until proven otherwise)
These tiers are built to capture day-one demand plus the odds of staying hobby relevant through 2026.
Tier Definitions
S-Tier
The true headliners. Day-one elevated prices are a near lock, and these players have the best chance to remain hobby relevant all season (and beyond). These are the names that can carry products, dominate releases and breaks, and move fast.
A-Tier
Strong day-one demand with real paths to 2026 production. Typically 2025 MLB contributors or projected 2026 day-one starters. Prices should open elevated, with a solid chance to hold or level up — but the floor isn’t as protected as S-Tier.
B-Tier
Middle of the pack. Useful players with real upside, but they need a specific breakout scenario to rise above the class. Most will see the typical release pop, then settle unless something changes quickly. This is where a few “I called it” wins usually live.
C-Tier
Low demand today, some upside tomorrow. These players usually open cheap, and the hobby won’t pay attention unless playing time appears unexpectedly or a skill spike becomes obvious (velocity jump, power surge, everyday role, etc.).
D-Tier
Deep bench, bullpen arms, and yo-yo profiles. Think AAA demotions, limited MLB roles, platoon paths, or relievers without a clear ninth-inning job. These cards tend to stay low-end unless something dramatic changes.
A Framing Note on Card Counts
We use Topps card counts as a signal. When a player has 20–30+ cards, Topps is telling you who they expect collectors to care about.
We’ve included card counts below for context. Some higher-profile players currently show only one or two cards (relics in some cases). It’s unclear if this is a checklist quirk or intentional, but as of now, some players will have very limited first rookie cards in Series 1 — Bryce Eldridge being the most notable example.
S-Tier
Day-one elevated prices + best odds to stay hobby relevant all year
- Roman Anthony (BOS) — flagship headliner (29)
- Jac Caglianone (KC) — massive demand baked in; Topps clearly loves marketing him (31)
- Samuel Basallo (BAL) — premium upside bat with a hobby-friendly power profile (25)
- Chase Burns (CIN) — likely the riskiest in this tier, but demand is real despite 2025 concerns (23)
- Cam Schlittler (NYY) — 2025 play plus Yankees market keeps him elevated (17)
A-Tier
Elevated release demand + real chance to level up with 2026 opportunity
- Alex Freeland (LAD) (20)
- Jonah Tong (NYM) (14)
- Nolan McLean (NYM) (13)
- Colson Montgomery (CWS) (21)
- Kyle Teel (CWS) (22)
- Carson Williams (TB) (19)
- Christian Moore (LAA) (19)
- Owen Caissie (CHC → MIA) (18)
- Jacob Misiorowski (MIL) (25)
- Dylan Beavers (BAL) (11)
- Bubba Chandler (PIT) (21)
B-Tier
Middle of the road — needs a specific breakout to separate
- C.J. Kayfus (CLE) (16)
- Grant Taylor (CWS) (13)
- Jacob Melton (HOU) (17)
- Otto Kemp (PHI) (14)
- Payton Tolle (BOS) (11)
- Ryan Ritter (COL) (17)
- Yanquiel Fernández (COL) (13)
- Kyle Karros (COL) (9)
- Ian Seymour (TB) (9)
- Anthony Seigler (MIL) (9)
- Jimmy Crooks (STL) (10)
- Jakob Marsee (MIA) (10)
- Parker Messick (CLE) (10)
- Troy Melton (DET) (10)
- Nathan Church (STL) (11)
- Brady House (WSH) (20)
- Brice Matthews (HOU) (19)
- Colby Thomas (OAK) (19)
- Cole Young (SEA) (12)
- Jhostynxon Garcia (BOS) (12)
- Cody Freeman (TEX) (8)
- Bryce Eldridge (SF) (1)
- Sal Stewart (CIN) (1)
- Harry Ford (SEA) (1)
C-Tier
Low-end today, but some chance to outperform expectations
- Andry Lara (WSH) (3)
- Carson Whisenhunt (SF) (14)
- Drew Gilbert (SF) (13)
- Bob Seymour (TB) (8)
- Brandyn Garcia (ARI) (3)
- Carlos Cortes (OAK) (8)
- Didier Fuentes (ATL) (14)
- Dylan Smith (DET) (3)
- Jeremiah Jackson (BAL) (8)
- Joe Rock (TB) (4)
- Juan Burgos (ARI/SEA) (3)
- Kenedy Corona (HOU) (3)
- Luis Morales (OAK) (8)
- Mason Barnett (OAK) (8)
- Maximo Acosta (MIA) (8)
- Troy Johnston (MIA) (9)
- Warming Bernabel (COL) (9)
- Wikelman González (CWS) (3)
- Zach Maxwell (CIN) (3)
- Travis Adams (MIN) (3)
- Brandon Sproat (NYM) (1)
- Shinnosuke Ogasawara (WSH) (8)
D-Tier
Most likely to yo-yo between AAA/MLB, bullpen roles, or platoons
- Bradgley Rodriguez (SD) (2)
- Cam Devanney (PIT) (2)
- Carson Seymour (SF) (3)
- César Prieto (STL) (2)
- Chad Stevens (LAA) (4)
- George Valera (CLE) (1)
- Jack Perkins (OAK) (11)
- Kyle Backhus (ARI) (2)
- Lazaro Estrada (TOR) (3)
- Luinder Avila (KC) (2)
- Pierson Ohl (MIN) (2)
- Tristan Peters (TB) (3)
- Tristin English (ARI) (2)
- Will Banfield (CIN) (2)
- Will Robertson (CWS) (1)