The Washington Nationals may be a relatively new Major League Baseball team, but that doesn’t mean their baseball cards lack value. Established in 2005 when the Montreal Expos relocated to DC, the Nats have a short but exciting history.

While they don’t have decades of legendary players like older teams, the Nationals have already made their mark in the collecting world. Let’s count down the top 5 most expensive Washington Nationals baseball cards of all time.

1. 2009 Stephen Strasburg Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Superfractor Autograph

It should be no surprise that the most valuable Nationals card features superstar pitcher Stephen Strasburg. Hype surrounded Strasburg long before he made his MLB debut with Washington in 2010.

As the #1 pick in the 2009 draft, his Bowman Chrome autograph is the Holy Grail for Nats collectors. The one-of-a-kind Superfractor parallel sold for a staggering $24,141 in 2013.

Here’s a quick rundown on what makes this card so special:

• Serial numbered 1/1
• Autographed by Strasburg
• Extremely rare Superfractor refractor technology
• Bowman Chrome is one of the most popular modern sets

This card is the perfect storm of prospect hype, low print run, and an elite player. It ranks among the most expensive cards for any team, let alone the Nationals.

2. 2010 Stephen Strasburg Topps Series 2 #661 Rookie Card

While not as rare as his prospect issue, Strasburg’s flagship Topps rookie card follows in second place. Gem Mint graded copies have sold for around $2,000.

As one of the most hyped pitching prospects ever, demand for Strasburg’s cards was sky-high even before he pitched in the majors. He delivered by going 5-3 with a 2.91 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 2010.

Here’s a quick overview on the keys to this card:

• His official MLB rookie card
• Topps flagship sets are always important
• Short print with a high-number in the set

The value remains strong because Strasburg has lived up to the hype with three All-Star appearances and over 1500 career strikeouts.

3. 2011 Bryce Harper Bowman Chrome Draft Autograph Superfractor

Much like with Strasburg, there was massive hype surrounding Bryce Harper before he reached the big leagues. The #1 overall pick in 2010, Harper won Rookie of the Year with Washington in 2012.

As you can see, Harper’s very first Bowman Chrome autograph as a prospect commands big money. The one-of-a-kind Superfractor is very similar to the Strasburg. This card hammered down for $16,000 in 2019.

Let’s look at the specifics on why this card is so sought-after:

• Highly touted #1 pick
• Bowman Chrome autograph as a prospect
• Extremely rare Superfractor version
• Bryce Harper is a genuine superstar talent

Harper’s prolonged success with the Nats and Phillies keeps interest in his earliest cards strong. This one stands out as his best.

4. 2018 Juan Soto Topps Update Series Rookie Card

Unlike Strasburg and Harper, Juan Soto wasn’t a mega-hyped prospect. But he has certainly become a superstar for Washington. The young outfielder simply rakes at the plate.

While his rookie cards can’t match Strasburg and Harper’s prospect issues, they remain appealing. His key Topps Update rookie has a PSA 10 Gem Mint value of approximately $600.

Let’s break down the importance of this card:

• Key rookie card of Soto, a hitting machine
• Topps Update is a popular debut set
• 2018 rookie class lacks depth which helps Soto stand out
• Graded copies are tough to find perfect

With plenty of good baseball ahead of him, Soto’s top cards should continue to generate demand.

5. 2019 Victor Robles Topps Series 2 #698 Rookie Card

Rounding out the list is another talented, young Nats outfielder – Victor Robles. Viewed as an elite prospect, he claimed a starting role in 2019.

Like other modern rookie cards on this list, Robles has his flagship Topps card to chase. The Gem Mint versions have topped $200 in auctions.

Here are the quick reasons Robles and this card have value:

• Stud outfield prospect
• Flagship Topps rookie is appealing
• Somewhat short print status helps too
• Raw and graded supply remains low

Of course, Robles will need to perform well long-term to keep prices up. But the early returns are great for the Nats and his collectors.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading our countdown of the current most valuable Washington Nationals baseball cards. Given the team’s youth and talent level, I’d keep an eye on Nationals rookies moving forward.

What other Nats cards do you think have potential to make this list in the future? Which Strasburg, Harper, or Soto rookie is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!