The baseball season will be starting soon, but before it does, fans will get to take in the World Baseball Classic. The international event was last held in 2017 as the 2021 event was canceled due to the pandemic. Many of the best players in the world have opted to take part in the tournament. Here are some of the most collectible rookie cards of the event's stars.

Julio Rodriguez 2019 Bowman Chrome Prospects 

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Most young players, even if they were great prospects, struggle a bit when they first reach the Major Leagues. Others, like Julio Rodriguez, are able to come into the league and achieve stardom from day one. While he was only 21 during his first season, he went 20/20 with a .850+ OPS.

Rodriguez is playing centerfield for the Dominican Republic during the World Baseball Classic, giving many casual fans the first opportunity to see him play. One of his best rookie cards, the 2019 Bowman Chrome Prospect card, can be had in a PSA 10 for slightly under $200.

Freddie Freeman 2011 Topps Rookie Card 

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Most people who watch baseball would look at Freddie Freeman as an All-American type. And they'd be right. The first baseman was born and raised in California. Both of the baseball star's parents. however, are from Ontario, Canada. As a result, Freeman is playing for Team Canada in this year's World Baseball Classic.

Freeman began his career for the Braves and became a star in Atlanta, making 5 All-Star teams. He moved to Los Angeles to play for the Dodgers. While his Topps issue is not his rarest rookie card, it is one that really resonates with hobbyists and a PSA 10 can be had for less than $100.

Julio Urias 2016 Topps Chrome Auto 

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have a long tradition of employing Mexican pitchers, most notably, 1980s icon Fernando Valenzuela. The team began scouting Julio Urias when he was only 14 years old. On his 16th birthday, the Dodgers signed Urias and he made his first appearance in the big leagues in 2016 at the age of 19.

Urias officially broke out in 2021 with a record of 20-3. The following year, he won another 17 games. And in this years WBC, the Dodger is anchoring the Mexican pitching staff. One of his best records is his autographed 2016 Topps Chrome card which sells for around $250 in a PSA 10.

Lars Nootbaar 2022 Topps Chrome Rookie 

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One of the most enjoyable stories of this year's event has been that of Lars Nootbaar. The Cardinals outfielder clearly has a very Dutch name and he was born and raised in California. But his mother is Japanese and as a result, Nootbaar is playing for Japan in the WBC.

The outfielder slugged 19 home runs last year and many experts are thinking he could be in for a breakout year. Savvy collectors may want to pick up his 2022 Topps Chrome rookie which is currently selling online for under $100.

Miguel Cabrera 2000 Topps Chrome Traded 

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Miguel Cabrera is one of the oldest players participating in the World Baseball Classic. The Detroit Tiger slugger is on the tail-end of a marvelous career that will surely see him inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Slugging more than 500 home runs, Cabrera has twice been named the American League MVP.

Miggy's 2000 Topps Chrome rookie card isn't cheap, it comes in at more than $1,000 in a PSA 10. But once he gets retires and is inducted into the Hall, the card could continue to rise in value.

*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.