Blog · 2026-10-23

New Rookie Slabs: Cal Raleigh, Victor Wembanyama, Bo Bichette & Nolan Gorman

Just-listed graded rookie cards — Cal Raleigh Topps Chrome and Rated Rookie, a Wembanyama Optic Rated Rookie, Bo Bichette Chrome refractor, and Nolan Gorman — and how to tell rookie cards apart.

Rookie cards are where most modern collectors start, and we just added a group of graded ones across baseball and basketball. Here is what came in and how to read the labels on each.

Cal Raleigh: two rookies

The Mariners' switch-hitting catcher has become one of the most popular power bats in baseball, and his rookie cards have followed. We listed two:

• 2022 Topps Chrome Cal Raleigh RC — PSA 10. Topps Chrome is the flagship chrome rookie for most modern baseball players, and it is the card a lot of collectors build around.
• 2022 Donruss Rated Rookie #39 — PSA 9. Panini's Donruss carries the classic Rated Rookie logo, a design collectors have recognized since the '80s.

Owning one of each is a common approach: the Chrome as the premium copy and the Rated Rookie as the iconic design.

Victor Wembanyama: Optic Rated Rookie

The Spurs' first overall pick in 2023 has been the most talked-about basketball rookie in years.

• Donruss Optic Rated Rookie #225 — PSA 8. Optic is Donruss' chrome version, which means the Rated Rookie design on shinier stock. A PSA 8 is a much more affordable way into a Wembanyama Optic rookie than a 9 or 10.

Bo Bichette: 1985 Chrome Refractor

• 2020 Topps Chrome 1985 Refractor #85TC2 — PSA 10. Topps celebrated its 1985 design with this insert, and the refractor version adds the rainbow shine Chrome is known for. Bichette is a Blue Jays mainstay, and this one carries the RC tag from his rookie-card year.

Nolan Gorman: Bowman Spotlights

• 2023 Bowman Spotlights #BS-17 — SGC 10 Gem Mint. The Cardinals second baseman in an SGC holder. SGC's 10 is its top regular grade and many collectors like the black tuxedo label for display.

How to read a rookie card

A few labels show up again and again on modern rookies:

• RC logo: The official MLB or NBA rookie card marking. It only appears once a player has made his debut.
• Rated Rookie: Donruss and Optic's own rookie branding, printed on the card design itself.
• Prospect cards: Bowman cards printed before a player reaches the majors. Our Elly De La Cruz guide explains the prospect-vs-rookie difference in detail.
• Refractor: A chrome parallel with a rainbow finish. It is a step up from the base chrome card.

PSA 10, PSA 9, or SGC?

• A 10 comps cleanest and sells fastest, but carries a premium on popular players.
• A 9 or 8 can be the better value if you mostly want the card in your collection.
• SGC and PSA both grade on a 10-point scale. See our PSA vs BGS grading guide for how the major graders compare.

Shop these rookies

Inventory changes as cards sell, so check the live catalog:

• Cal Raleigh cards
• Victor Wembanyama cards
• Bo Bichette cards
• Nolan Gorman cards
• All graded sports cards

Every purchase checks out on eBay and is covered by the eBay Money Back Guarantee — see shipping & returns for details.