Cole Benz

Cole Benz

After graduating from the University of North Dakota in 2008, Cole worked as an advertising copywriter until shifting to print journalism a few years later. Managing three weekly newspapers in the Dakotas, Cole won numerous awards from the North Dakota Newspaper Association including Best of the Dakotas and, their top award, General Excellence. He returned to collecting in 2021 and has since combined his passion for writing with his love of cards. Cole also writes for the Sports Cards Nonsense newsletter and has made guest appearances on multiple sports card collecting podcasts including Sports Cards Nonsense, and the Eephus Baseball Cards Podcast. IG: coleryan411 X: @colebenz

Feb 23, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA;  Texas Rangers pitcher Jack Leiter (22) throws in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels during a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

The card market for pitchers has historically been small. But Paul Skenes has changed that over the past three years. So who is the next breakthrough pitcher? Cardinals Michael McGreevy, Rangers Jack Leiter, and MacKenzie Gore are candidates.

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Mar 23, 2026; Mesa, Arizona, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) hits a single against the Chicago Cubs in the fifth inning at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

The now defunct product from Topps was a staple in the release calendar each spring. While the cards in the product rarely garnered high dollars on the open market, there are a few exceptions to that rule.

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Mar 19, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (77) dribbles the ball against Sacramento Kings forward Precious Achiuwa (9) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Which rookies could have an immediate impact on their team's playoff run? There are three names to watch out for as the season winds down. With their performance, their card market should follow.

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Yankees Derek Jeter and the rest of the New York Yankees thank their fans after the final game at Yankee Stadium Sept. 21, 2008.

The Captain, Mr. November, Hall of Famer and owner of more than 3,000 hits, Derek Jeter has a storied career with some storied cards since he debuted in 1995.

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