Should You Grade Baseball Cards Before an MLB Lockout?
Should baseball collectors submit cards for grading when a possible MLB lockout could disrupt the season they are preparing for?
In Episode 16 of the Collectors Club AI Podcast, Dan McCabe and Erik Sjolie discuss grading costs, turnaround times, and how uncertain timing affects submission decisions. Dan shares his Lamine Yamal Manga card’s CGC 9 result, leading to a comparison of PSA and CGC and the importance of evaluating different grade outcomes.
The conversation moves into Bowman prospects, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Bryce Eldridge, and a hypothetical Paul Skenes card-price decline. Dan and Erik question whether a work stoppage would trigger a broader baseball card downturn or move buying activity toward other sports, vintage cards, and established players.
They also discuss Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., rare 1990s inserts, collector FOMO, and the difference between maintaining a personal collection and holding cards for resale. Historical comparisons with 1994 and 2022 provide context, with the hosts acknowledging the difficulty of separating labor uncertainty from wider hobby conditions.
The episode closes with youth card shows, community building, and tracking inventory and cost basis through Collectors Club AI. Market forecasts and player concerns discussed in the episode reflect the hosts’ opinions.
Organize your collection, track what you own, and gain valuable insight:
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