Baseball is all about numbers. Stats and milestones.
Baseball loves that stuff. So do card collectors. These numbers…career tracking and measuring numbers…make headlines and move markets.
I built the new 2025 MLB Milestone Tracker
So I can follow the big names (Ohtani!? Trout? Verlander!??) as they chase history and try to foresee how these milestones might impact card values.
Trout Chases 400 HRs
Let’s start with a big one: Mike Trout is closing in on 400 career home runs.
By most projections, he should be hitting this around mid to late July. And that’s what I have on the tracker here. Currently, as I write this he is sitting at 390 on 19 June. So, it’s possible but we may be into August before he hits #400. If that’s the case, then expect a bump in attention—and possibly in his key rookie and parallel cards.
I’ve already seen more activity on his 2011 Update RCs, as well as some of the rare 2012 and 2013 inserts. If you’re holding one, think about timing. If you’ve been waiting to buy, don’t wait too long.
Verlander Chases 3500 career Ks!
Next up is Justin Verlander, now with the Giants. He’s quietly approaching 3,500 career strikeouts, which would put him in rare air among the game’s all-time pitchers. As I write this on 19 June 25, he pitched yesterday…the 18th. He went 4.2 IP and struck 6 putting him at 3643 currently.
I like his 2005 Topps rookie and early refractors for long-term hold value. PSA 9s and 10s are still affordable compared to what we’ve seen from similar-level Hall of Famers.
Alonso Is After the Mets ALL-TIME HR Lead!
Pete Alonso, meanwhile, is set to become the Mets’ all-time home run leader. You don’t have to love the Mets or Pete Alonso but if you’re a collector then you know that the Mets have a PASSIONATE fan base.
Pete’s 2019 Topps Chrome RC autos and color refractors could see more demand, especially if he adds a hot second half.
If you’re keeping an eye on these chases like I am, check out the milestone tracker I just posted. It’s an easy Excel sheet with names, teams, milestones, and projected dates—great for planning your next buy or just enjoying the drama as it unfolds.
👉 Download the 2025 MLB Milestone Tracker
More milestones are coming, and I’ll keep the tracker updated throughout the season. Stay tuned for collector alerts, price moves, and my monthly blueprint breakdowns.
Keep watching the game—and your collection. ⚾📈
—Ken
