Fast Five: MLB players worth a look after this season

Fast Five is a quick list that might offer a basic starting point for a themed collection or new focus -- five things that could be fun for a beginner or a new way to add something to your stash if you're a grizzled veteran.

This time? Five MLB players worth a look after this season ... and, no, not the super-obvious guys.

A CAREER YEAR ...
Ozzie Albies, SS, Atlanta Braves -- RCs in 2018 releases
The Braves' loss of Ronald Acuña Jr. to a season-ending injury didn't lead to the team faltering without one of MLB's biggest stars in the midst of another strong year. Instead, other guys kept at it and other guys stepped up and the team is still leading the NL East as the season winds down. Albies? He's having a career year in pretty much everything but average with 30 homers (previous high 24), 103 RBI to reach that plateau for the first time and even a career-high 19 stolen bases. Big-picture, there are other shortstops out there with numbers like this but they might be pricier when it comes to cards for whatever reasons. His RCs in 2018 releases are all over the place yet affordable and his 2015 cards might get overlooked here and there as he's listed as "Ozhaino." (You might set up a saved search for that name, too.) He's a home-grown player on a contender who's only 24 and among a core of young players ... a recipe for strong cards if they win it all.

Keep reading for four more making up the list this time.

WELCOME TO THE CLUB ...
Cedric Mullins, OF, Baltimore Orioles -- RCs in 2019 releases
There are a lot of guys with power and a lot of guys with speed, especially this season, but so far only one guy has stolen 30 bases to go along with 30 homers (the 30/30 Club) and it's this guy. The 40/40 club is the tougher plateau to reach -- it's only been done four times in MLB history and nearly all by players who have had suspect numbers due to PEDs or have flat-out admitted it. He won't get there this year but his career-high .297 average along with 30 homers and 30 steals are strong in what's been his first full season. He did steal 30 one year in the minors but never hit more than 14 homers ... I'd dabble with his cardboard when it's on the cheaper side -- numbered stuff, RCs and hits -- and think there could be more movement as people anticipate more to come. (Though he's less established than others here.)

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CAREER YEAR ... ON A LOADED TEAM
Marcus Semien, 2B, Toronto Blue Jays -- RCs in 2014 releases
It's easy to overlook him based on the headline-grabbers on his team and the fact he's been on cardboard since 2014 when his RCs arrived. (Oddly, he didn't have any prospect cards before that.) He's on his third MLB team since then with his career-high 43 homers (so far) as well as 99 RBI only similar to his stats from two seasons ago. His next homer will set a new MLB record for the most long balls by a second baseman (Davey Johnson also hit 43 in 1973). His cardboard won't compare to that of his teammates but being selective with rarer and cheaper hits feel like an easy grab if you're dabbling. He's a free agent, too, which means he could have a lot more attention if he lands in a key place ... and that could happen after this season.

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A SAFE PICK?
Walker Buehler, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers -- RCs in 2018 releases
He's 15-4 this season with a 2.91 ERA and 201 strikeouts in 202 innings for a team that's got high expectations and plenty of big names in the fold. He's not been the No. 1 down the stretch but all of his cards show him with his team -- and he's not the youngest, either, but it's close among those who matter here. He's in his fifth season and he's got career-highs in a few categories. Not all of his cards will be cheaper grabs but I still think there's potential compared to others around him who are Hall of Fame locks.

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WHERE WILL HE GO?
Kris Bryant, 3B, San Francisco Giants -- RCs in 2015 releases
The trade got him a change of scenery and eyes from new collectors likely on him. This once-darling of MLB (as a Rookie of The Year and then a league MVP after that) has posted a reliable season with numbers comparable to other campaigns -- no career-highs -- and that's enough for me to get him here. Why? He also is heading into free agency and where he ends up could be interesting for cardboard. He used to be a very pricey player and some stuff now won't be ... but it could be if he lands in a good spot.

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What would you want to see in a future Fast Five? Let Buzz know on Twitter or email.

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