Ronald Acuña Jr., the talented MLB player and the recipient of the 2023 NL MVP award, has not only thrilled Atlanta Braves fans but has also captured the attention of collectors with his rookie cards. Although Acuña made his MLB debut in late April 2018, his rookie cards were not initially included in the early 2018 baseball card releases. However, they soon became available through on-demand formats and pack-pulled cards, creating a significant buzz in the collecting community.
If you’re a collector or a fan of Ronald Acuña Jr., here’s a detailed checklist and gallery of his most sought-after rookie cards:
1. 2018 Bowman Chrome Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #40:
This card is a prized choice for collectors as it features both a base card and a hard-signed rookie autograph, along with numerous Refractor parallels.
2. 2018 Bowman Chrome National Convention Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #BNR-RAC:
An exclusive release from the National Sports Collectors Convention, this card boasts a unique background and various parallels.
3. 2018 Bowman Topps Holiday Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #TH-RAJ:
This festive edition is a Hobby shop promo card with seasonal parallels like Green Festive and exclusive Gold Festive (1/1) cards.
4. 2018 Bowman’s Best Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #51:
A budget-friendly option with a dynamic base design and an array of Refractor parallels. The on-card Best of 2018 Autograph is highly coveted.
5. 2018 Donruss Rated Rookie Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #283:
Initially missed in the Rated Rookie subset, Acuña was later included in a wrapper redemption promo with a full-name variation and rare signed editions.
6. 2018 Donruss Optic Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #63:
This chromium Rated Rookie card offers a vivid array of parallels and on-card autographs.
7. 2018 Immaculate Collection Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #151 Autograph Relic #/99:
This card features an autograph relic in the base set, combining the player’s signature with memorabilia.
8. 2018 National Treasures Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #59 Autograph Relic #/99:
With an on-card autograph, this card holds greater appeal compared to the Immaculate Collection counterpart.
9. 2018 Panini Chronicles Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #37:
Acuña’s presence spans multiple sub-brands within the Chronicles set, including autographs in several lines.
10. 2018 Panini Flawless Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #11 Diamond #/20:
This high-end card incorporates diamonds and features a limited print run, along with hard-signed autographs.
11. 2018 Topps Series 2 Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #698 (Bat Down):
A super short-print variant that is highly sought-after by collectors.
12. 2018 Topps Holiday Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #HMW50:
This Walmart-exclusive card showcases a seasonal snowflake design and limited autographs.
13. 2018 Topps Complete Set Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #698:
Found in every factory set, this card offers collectors another variant of Acuña’s rookie card.
14. 2018 Topps Chrome Sapphire Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #698:
A premium option with base Refractor cards and autographs.
15. 2018 Topps Update Series Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #US250:
This base version follows the SSP rookie in Series 2 and includes multiple image variations and autographs.
16. 2018 Topps Baseball Silver Pack 1983 Chrome Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #101:
This card features Acuña in the base set with a limited sticker autograph edition.
17. 2018 Topps Allen & Ginter Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #207:
Offers both full-size and mini versions, with a Mini Framed Autograph as an extra thrilling option.
18. 2018 Topps Archives Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #212:
Using the 1981 design, this card includes a rare vintage logo parallel and a hard-signed autograph.
19. 2018 Topps Big League Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #369:
Presents a simple, fun design with a redemption in the Rookie Republic Autographs insert.
20. 2018 Topps Chrome Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #193:
This card is popular due to the strength of the Topps Chrome brand and the availability of Refractor parallels, along with hard-signed rookie autographs.
21. 2018 Topps Clearly Authentic Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #CAA-RA:
This acetate stock card offers an on-card autograph and is distinguished by its encased presentation.
22. 2018 Topps Dynasty Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #AP-RAC Autograph Patch #/10 (6 versions):
A high-end option with only 10 copies or less per variant, featuring hard-signed cards and multiple image versions.
23. 2018 Topps Fire Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #109:
A modern-designed card exclusive to Target, offering a base rookie, autograph, and a dual autograph with Ozzie Albies.
24. 2018 Topps Five Star Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #FSA-RA Autograph:
A premium card with an ornate base autograph and several color frame parallels.
25. 2018 Topps Gold Label Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #99 (3 versions):
This card features Acuña in three different versions of the base set, with an on-card signature in the Framed Autograph insert.
26. 2018 Topps Heritage High Number Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #580:
The first Heritage rookie card for Acuña, offering base variations, a Chrome parallel, and a sought-after Real One autograph.
27. 2018 Topps High Tek Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #HT-RA:
This card features multiple rookies with different pattern designs and parallels, along with a favorite on-card autograph.
28. 2018 Topps Living Set Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #19 (PR=46,809 copies):
A highly popular release with over 46,000 copies sold, offering collectors an accessible option.
29. 2018 Topps Luminaries Ronald Acuña Jr. RC Autographs:
Featuring Acuña in various autograph lines, including Hit Kings and Home Run Kings, with auto relic versions.
30. 2018 Topps National Baseball Card Day Autograph Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #AU-RA #/75:
A limited autograph set with only 75 copies, adding exclusivity to the collection.
31. 2018 Topps Now Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #125 (PR=11,131 copies):
The first print-to-order rookie card for Acuña, commemorating his MLB debut.
32. 2018 Topps Stadium Club Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #223:
An SSP variation that replaces Hank Aaron in the main numbering, with Acuña also included in the base autograph set.
33. 2018 Topps Transcendent Collection Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #49 #/83:
The priciest base rookie card in the set, limited to only 83 copies, with framed on-card autograph versions.
34. 2018 Topps Triple Threads Ronald Acuña Jr. RC #RFPAR-RA Autograph Relic #/99:
This card is a part of the Base Rookies & Future Phenoms Autograph Relic set, with a limited print run and several parallels.
35. 2017 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs Ronald Acuña #CPA-RA:
As a top prospect card, this card holds significant value, especially its Refractor parallels.
This extensive checklist and gallery of Ronald Acuña Jr. rookie cards provide a comprehensive view of his early collectibles. Each card captures a unique aspect of Acuña’s burgeoning career, making them a must-have for any serious collector or fan of this MLB superstar.
