In 2019, Ronald Acuna Jr.’s quest for a 40/40 season took the hobby community by storm, and the young Atlanta Braves superstar showed no signs of a sophomore slump.  Throughout his second season the prices of his cards continued to climb, with base, inserts, autographs and relics all benefiting from collectors wanting to get a piece of the action.

I flipped through the pages of Acunas in my collection to pick out seven of my favorites that can be found for less than $10 on Ebay, COMC, or Sportlots.

2019 Topps #1 Rookie Cup

When it comes to Topps Baseball cards, the Topps Rookie Cup is one of the most iconic logos found on a card.  The 2019 flagship design continues to grow on me, and I am a big fan of the batting photo used on this card.  Acuna was honored with card #1 and when I flip open my 2019 Series 1 binder, this card is the first thing I see.

2018 Topps Update #US252

While the value of Acuna #US250 has risen to over $20 in the fall of 2019, you can still pick up his Topps Update Rookie Debut card #US252 for just a buck or two.  The horizontal image has the RC logo and is a great action shot showing him mid-catch.

2018 Topps Living Set #19

His Topps Living Set card has become one of my favorites.  I’m a fan of the artwork in this set since it provides a little different image than a traditional photograph.  Acuna’s RC currently holds the record for highest print run in the set at 46,809.

2017 Bowman BP127

A 1st Bowman is a great core piece of any collection, and Acuna’s is no exception.  From the action shot, to the Franklin batting gloves, to the way the colors in the uniform and logos align, I like everything about this card.

2019 Stadium Club #56

When it comes to photography Stadium Club rarely disappoints.  I really like the uniqueness of this image.  Having your own name engraved on a Major League Baseball bat is every little leaguers dream, and for this Atlanta Brave superstar, his dream has come true.

2019 Topps Walmart Star Player Highlights RA-15

This card uses the same “bat down” photo as the 2018 Series 2 Rookie Shortprint.  The SP has risen to an astronomical three digit asking price after spending most of 2018 in the $20-$30 range.  This card however, can be bought for just a couple bucks.  No, it’s not a rookie, and no it’s not an SP, but it does use the same sweet photo.  Remember, this article is focused on some great cards you can find for under $20, not great cards you can find for under $400.  

2019 Topps #508

The team checklists cards in the 2019 Topps flagship set have more of a candid theme, and the “Strike a Pose” shot used for card #508 captures Acuna and Ozzie Albies having some fun in front of the camera.  These two also shared a card in 2018 Update, but it’s the 2019 version that makes my list of Acuna cards to own.

Wrapping it Up

As I look back over my list, a couple things stood out.  First, I realized I didn’t pick any “shiny” cards.  No Finest, no Chrome, and no colored parallels at all.  I have some of those in my PC, and many can be found in our price range, but I think I am more drawn to traditional “cardboard” cardboard.  Second, there’s not a Panini card to be found.  While they usually make a good effort, I just can’t get past the lack of logos and the colors that are just a bit off.  I’ll choose a fully licensed card almost every time.

So did you jump aboard the Acuna rocket ship this season, or were you already adding him to your PC over the last couple years?  Do you have some favorites that are different than mine?  Let me know in the comments below!

Mike Trout, Michael Jordan, and Kris Bryant also have some great inexpensive cards, and I shared my favorites of them as well!