Hidden Heat: Undervalued Stars in Candy’s 2025 Rookie Drop

Candy Digital’s upcoming 2025 MLB Rookie ICONs drop features 40 standout rookies from the 2025 MLB season, plus 10 Legacy Players spotlighted from their own rookie campaigns. Big names like Roman Anthony, Jac Caglianone, and Roki Sasaki will headline the release—and for good reason. Their elite talent and pedigree have already made their cards must-haves for collectors and fans alike.

But if you’re only chasing the biggest names, you might be missing the real value. This drop also features several under-the-radar rookies whose on-field performances suggest major upside—at prices far more affordable. Here's your cheat sheet to two names worth watching (and collecting).

Drake Baldwin, Atlanta Braves (Age 24, C)

Baldwin’s emergence in Atlanta has been one of the early surprises of the season. With Sean Murphy sidelined to start the year, Baldwin seized his opportunity—and hasn't let go. Ranked as the Braves’ 11th-best prospect in 2024 by MLB Pipeline, he now ranks third among all rookies in WAR, behind only Jacob Wilson and Carlos Narvaez.

Offensively, Baldwin pairs elite bat speed (75.3 mph, top 10%) and hard contact (92.6 mph avg exit velo, top 15%) with discipline. His 18.2% whiff rate and 16.3% strikeout rate are both well below MLB averages, making him one of the rare rookies who combines power with contact.

Behind the plate, Baldwin holds his own too. His +3 Fielding Run Value ranks 9th among catchers with 300+ innings, giving him a strong defensive foundation that raises his floor—and long-term appeal.

The Braves’ slow start has kept Baldwin off the national radar, but with Ronald Acuña Jr. back and Atlanta heating up, expect that to change fast. If the Braves stay hot, Baldwin’s spotlight—and his card value—will only grow.

Jacob Wilson, Athletics (Age 23, SS)

Wilson leads all rookies in WAR (3.1) and has already made a case to start in this year’s All-Star Game. The A’s shortstop is redefining what it means to be a contact hitter.

Despite his 6'2", 190 lb frame, Wilson plays like a pure technician at the plate. He’s hitting .349 with a 9.5% whiff rate (99th percentile) and a 6.4% strikeout rate (100th percentile). Those numbers are absurd for any player, let alone a rookie.

While he doesn’t crush the ball, his “game power” shows up when it counts: 15 doubles, 9 home runs, and a knack for spraying the ball to all fields. His advanced approach, bat control, and ability to lift the ball make him more than a slap hitter—he’s a future cornerstone in Las Vegas.

Yes, the A's play in a small market, but that shouldn’t stop you. Wilson is on track to be a perennial All-Star and a face of the A’s rebuild. If you’re looking for a long-term hold with high upside, his rookie card is a smart play.

Cam Smith, Houston Astros (Age 22, RF)

When the Astros traded Kyle Tucker to the Cubs, many saw it as the final chapter in the slow breakup of Houston’s dynasty core—George Springer, Carlos Correa, and now Tucker, all gone. But true to form, the Astros have a knack for reloading, not rebuilding. And Cam Smith is already making that trade look like a win.

A first-round pick by the Cubs just last summer, Smith wasted no time making an impression. He posted a 1.005 OPS across 32 games at three different minor league levels before being sent to Houston—and hasn’t slowed down since.

Through 69 big league games, Smith has delivered a 122 OPS+ while ranking fourth among rookie position players in WAR (1.7). His profile is built around loud contact and a smooth swing: a 47.6% hard-hit rate (75th percentile) and a 74.8 mph average swing speed (88th percentile) make him a constant threat at the plate.

But he’s not just a bat. Smith flies—his 29.1 mph sprint speed ranks in the 91st percentile—and he’s flashed plus defense in right field, posting strong Outs Above Average metrics per Statcast.

At just 22 years old, Smith is already showing a complete, five-tool profile. If you're looking for a future star on the rise, this is your cue. Get in now before the hobby catches up.

The Bottom Line
Everyone loves a headliner, but real collectors know value lies in the margins. Baldwin and Wilson may not carry the flashiest names in this drop—but their stats, skill sets, and breakout potential make them rookie cards to watch. Pick them up now, before the rest of the hobby catches on.

The 2025 MLB Rookie ICONs drop goes live tomorrow at 1 PM ET! Don’t miss your chance to collect the game’s brightest young stars and future legends.