Ranking the 6 Best 2026 Topps Update Rookie Cards To Chase – +1 Bonus Guy!

The baseball season is wrapping up, playoff races are coming down to the wire, and 2026 Topps Update Series is less than a month away (October 14, 2026!).

The final Topps flagship release of the year gives us 85 new rookie cards to chase after plus rookie debut cards from our favorite players from Series 1 and Series 2.

• 2026 Topps Update Jumbo Box — View prices on eBay!
• 2026 Topps Update Hobby Box — View prices on eBay!
• 2026 Topps Update Value Box — View prices on eBay!

For those of you who passed on preordering a hobby box or a blaster and prefer to purchase singles, here is the list you have been waiting for!

We present the 6 Best 2026 Topps Update Rookie cards — plus one wildcard — to chase!

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6 Best 2026 Topps Update Rookie Cards

Rankings reflect a combination of age, position and stats, and the Top 5 are fairly uncontested for once, though the specific order could be swapped based on your favorite team.

1. Kevin McGonigle, SS/3B, Detroit Tigers, Age 22

• Card No. US7 – View prices on ebay once product is released!

What’s not to like about the rookie with the highest WAR of 6.7, with 17 homers and 65 RBI, while playing a premier infield position?

• Don’t forget McGonigle’s 2026 Topps Series 2 SP RC! 

2. JJ Wetherholt, 2B/SS, St Louis Cardinals, Age 24

• Card No. US50 – View prices on eBay!

The only thing stopping JJ from being No. 1 on this list is the fact he is two years older than McGonigle, and he lost time late in the season due to injury.

The future looks bright again for the Cardinals!

• Don’t forget Wetherholt’s 2026 Topps Series 2 SP RC! 

3. Konnor Griffin, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates, Age 20

• Card No. US1 – View prices on eBay!

When the Pirates owner opens his checkbook and gives out a huge contract, you know he is going to be great!

Injuries derailed his season a bit, but don’t be surprised if K.G. eventually surpasses the top 2 on this list.

4. Carson Benge, OF, New York Mets, Age 23

• Card No. US3 – View prices on eBay!

Benge may have been the one bright light to give Mets fans hope after a disastrous season. His 18 HRs are the most so far of all the rookie cards in this 2026 Topps Update release, which bodes well for his value.

• Don’t forget Benge’s 2026 Topps Series 2 SP RC! 

5. Travis Bazzana, 2B, Cleveland Guardians, Age 24

• Card No. US75 – View prices on eBay!

The 2024 No. 1 overall pick is one of the main reasons the Guardians are in the thick of the playoff hunt despite losing their top player for most of the season.

6. TJ Rumfield, 1B, Colorado Rockies, Age 26

• Card No. US157 – View prices on eBay!

Rumfeld hits for average and power and not just in Colorado. The only thing hurting his value is his age and position, as first basemen just don’t excite collectors as much as sluggers at other positions.

Wildcard Pick: Justin Crawford, OF, Philadelphia Phillies, Age 22

• Card No. US2 – View prices on eBay!
• Don’t forget Crawford’s 2026 Topps Series 2 SP RC!

Crawford’s MLB numbers are a bit weak compared to others on this list, but his tool makeup, top position and his future playoff exposure make the son of former All-Star Carl Crawford an ideal sleeper chase candidate! Consider picking up a cheap parallel or numbered rookie card before he breaks out.

Some other wild “card” candidates to consider picking up include:

• US11 Owen Caissie Miami Marlins
• US63 Andrew Painter Philadelphia Phillies
• US106 Joe Mack Miami Marlins
• US301 Sam Antonacci Chicago White Sox

Compare some of these young fellas against our list of the Best Baseball Rookie Cards Ever!

• 2026 Topps Update Jumbo Box — View prices on eBay!
• 2026 Topps Update Hobby Box — View prices on eBay!
• 2026 Topps Update Value Box — View prices on eBay!

Let us know who you think has a chance to break out in coming seasons! Who are among your best 2026 Topps Update rookie cards that we might not have mentioned?