The Tampa Bay Rays are a relatively new team, having started playing in MLB in 1998. Despite their short history, Rays baseball cards have exploded in value over the years, especially for their top stars. Let's count down the top 5 most valuable Tampa Bay Rays baseball cards of all time.

#5 - Evan Longoria 2008 Topps Chrome Refractor Rookie Card

• As the 3rd overall pick in the 2006 MLB draft, Longoria was a highly touted prospect for the Rays. This chrome refractor rookie card from 2008 is very shiny and in high demand among collectors.
• With Longoria's success in helping lead the Rays to the 2008 World Series, his rookie cards soared in value. This gem mint graded refractor is worth over $500!

#4 - Carl Crawford 2003 Topps Traded Rookie Card

• Carl Crawford made an immediate impact for the Devil Rays after being called up in 2002. This Topps Traded rookie card from 2003 pictures a young Crawford ready to wreak havoc on the basepaths.
• Crawford was a 4-time All-Star for Tampa Bay and one of the most exciting players in team history. His stellar rookie card can fetch over $600 in perfect condition.

#3 - David Price 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Edition Autograph

• David Price was the top pick in the 2007 draft and wasted no time in making it to the majors. This autographed prospect card from 2008 Elite Extra Edition is highly coveted by Rays collectors.
• Price won 20 games and the Cy Young award for the Rays in just his second season. This sharp card can sell for over $700 because of Price's autographed rookie status.

#2 - Wade Boggs 2005 Topps Complete All-Star Stitches Autograph

• Wade Boggs is in the Baseball Hall of Fame primarily for his excellent career with the Red Sox and Yankees. But the Rays were the final team Boggs played for before retiring in 1999.
• This scarce 2005 autograph card pictures Boggs in a Rays uniform along with some coolstitching design. A perfect graded and autographed Boggs Rays card can demand over $900 in value.

#1 - Roberto Alomar 2005 Topps Retired Signature Edition Autograph

• Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar also finished his splendid MLB career with the Rays in 2004. Alomar signed this 2005 Topps card in his Rays uniform shortly after retiring from the game.
• This card marked the first time collectors could own an Alomar autograph of him as a Devil Ray. The card is very tough to come by, especially in high grade. Pristine versions of Alomar's autographed 2005 card have sold for over $3,500!

And there you have it - the most valuable baseball cards for Tampa Bay Rays players through the years. Some other Rays cards potentially on the rise include Willy Adames, Brendan McKay, and Randy Arozarena rookie cards. Only time will tell if they reach the stature of cards from Crawford, Longoria, and Price!

Notable Rookie Cards of Rays Stars

Beyond the top 5, there are many other impressive rookie cards of star Rays players that deserve recognition:

Fred McGriff Rookie Card

• Fred McGriff was the team's first star player, hitting over 30 home runs 4 times while with the Devil Rays. His 1984 Topps rookie card features Tom Seaver's 300th win on the backside.

Melvin Upton Jr. Rookie Card

• As B.J. Upton, he was the 2nd overall pick in the 2002 draft. Upton's 2003 Topps Traded rookie card portrays his incredible speed and potential.

Scott Kazmir Rookie Card

• Kazmir was an ace pitcher for Tampa Bay, making 2 All-Star appearances. His 2004 Donruss Elite Extra Edition rookie card is on the search list of many Rays collectors.

Ben Zobrist Rookie Card

• Zobrist was a mainstay of the Rays roster for nearly a decade, helping win the 2008 pennant. His 2006 Topps rookie card shows Zobrist ready to play all over the field.

Chris Archer Rookie Card

• Archer has been an All-Star and top pitcher for the Rays since 2013. His 2013 Topps Update rookie card pictures Archer's electric stuff.

Top Rays Prospect Cards

Let's look at some top Rays prospects who have intriguing 1st Bowman and 1st prospect cards:

Wander Franco 1st Bowman Chrome

• Considered the top prospect in baseball, Franco's 2019 Bowman Chrome card is already very spendy. This one has a chance to be a true classic Rays card.

Josh Lowe 1st Bowman Chrome

• A multi-talented outfielder, Lowe's 2016 Bowman Chrome card offers collectors a chance to buy low. This card could take off if Lowe reaches his potential.

Greg Jones 1st Bowman Chrome

• Jones is an athletic shortstop gaining steam on prospect rankings. His 2019 Bowman Chrome first card has flashes of the Luis Urias rookie blueprint.

Shane Baz 1st Bowman Chrome

• Acquired in the Chris Archer deal, Baz is a fireballer pitching prospect on the rise. His 2018 Bowman Chrome first is heating up on the market.

Vidal Brujan 1st Bowman Chrome

• A true speedster, Brujan swiped 55 bases in the minors last season. Invest in his 2016 Bowman Chrome card before it steals off.

Conclusion

The Tampa Bay Rays have a bright future both on the field and in the baseball card hobby. Young stars like Franco, Lowe, and Baz give the Rays renewed promise. Wise collectors are stocking up on Rays prospect cards now before they bloom into the next generation of hobby gems!

Vintage cards of early team leaders such as McGriff, Boggs, and Alomar are also solid buys. But modern Rays stars like Longoria, Price, and Archer offer the most upside for collectors seeking financial returns.

Building a baseball card portfolio with a nice mix of Rays legends, current stars, and future standouts is a smart play. The Rays franchise has come a long way from its early Devil Rays days. And the investment potential of Rays baseball cards grows stronger every season.