Rafael Devers’ hot late start means long wait for 2018 Rookie Cards — but he’s got plenty to chase now

You’ll have to wait until 2018 for his official Rookie Cards, but, don’t worry, he’s got plenty you can collect for now.

His name is Rafael Devers and he’s also got six home runs in his first 62 at-bats for the Boston Red Sox and, most importantly, three of those have come in his last two games against the New York Yankees.

The 20-year-old third baseman is hitting .339 with 12 RBI, 11 runs and a stolen base in his first 16 games — and he’s got to be among the league leaders in pre-RC cardboard, too.

Clint Frazier’s powerful debut for Yankees provides spark for his ink

It’s almost like Aaron Judge all over again.

The New York Yankees’ newest rookie outfielder, Clint Frazier, made his big-league debut on Saturday night in big fashion with a home run and a double as part of a 2-for-4 day in Houston.

And just like Judge, who homered in his first game but had the night off save for a pinch-hitting appearance late in the Yanks’ 7-6 loss last night, it’s back in 2013 where you’ll find the start of his certified autograph résumé.

Ian Happ’s big arrival for Cubs might be calm before storm on cards

The newest big-name Chicago Cubs prospect arrived on Saturday and made his presence felt immediately in his first game with a two-run homer.

So far, Ian Happ is hitting .429 in his first two games, further helping bolster a mostly home-grown lineup that is watched closely by collectors.

Happ is not a surprise for prospectors as the defending World Series champs took him with the ninth pick in the 2015 MLB Draft out of the University of Cincinnati– and he’s been watched on cardboard ever since — but sales of his cards, at least so far, are showing some room for growth.

Making the Grade IV: Joe Namath, Ichiro, WWE stars & legendary ink

Like many collectors, Buzz is a fan of grading and knows that there are many reasons that collectors choose to slab cards. Sometimes it’s to enhance the appeal and protect them when selling. Other times it’s to protect an investment for the long-term or to protect for sentimental reasons. Or, it might be just for fun or curiosity about a potential grade.

Here’s the fourth Grading Diary here on The Buzz …