For some sets, variations are a major chase element where rarity plays a significant factor. The 2018 Donruss Baseball variations are more set on just getting collectors to look at their cards a little closer. A chase is there in the fact that the variations make for new cards but they’re not going to be terribly hard to find.

Like past years, the 2018 Donruss Baseball variations take a smorgasbord approach. They don’t stick with any one particular theme. Rather, they integrate a few different elements. Alternate photos, nicknames, notable stats on the front, color alterations are some of the possibilities. Some of the variants mix multiple elements at the same time.

They’re generally not hard to spot and they make regular appearances. But the sheer number of 2018 Donruss Baseball variations requires some tracking to keep them sorted out.

Panini released a full list of players with variations in 2018 Donruss Baseball. All told, 54 cards. However, what the original checklist from the manufacturer didn’t show is that some of those 54 cards have multiple variations.

Because of the multiple approaches to the cards, there’s no one easy way to spot a variant at first glance. However, when you see a nickname on the front or a black and white photo, it’s a flag of sorts that something’s up. With these cards, you’re not looking for a hidden object or something so subtle that even a CSI investigator might miss. For the most part, they’re meant to be obvious.

The fact that there are multiple 2018 Donruss Baseball variations in every box, even blasters, is a sign that rarity isn’t the main priority with these.

2018 Donruss Baseball Variations Parallels

Variations get a full slate of parallels in addition to the regular cards. These include Blank Back, Career Stat Line, Game Day Stat Line, Teal Border (/199), Gold Press Proof (/99), Father’s Day Ribbon (/49), Mother’s Day Ribbon (/25), Artist Proof (/10), Press Proof (/5) and one-of-one Printing Plates.

2018 Donruss Baseball Variations Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist of all the 2018 Donruss Baseball variations. If you’re looking for a specific card, click on the links to see what’s currently available on eBay.

2018 Donruss Baseball Variations Gallery

We will be looking to fill in the gaps over the next couple of days. If any additional variations pop up, those will be added as well. Many spots below have missing images but note what to look for on the variation.

59 Eddie Mathews, Milwaukee Braves

64 Cal Ripken, Baltimore Orioles

65 Jim Palmer, Baltimore Orioles

69 Jackie Bradley Jr., Boston Red Sox

86 Jose Abreu, Chicago White Sox

87 Frank Thomas, Chicago White Sox

92 Joe Morgan, Cincinnati Reds

100 Roberto Alomar, Cleveland Indians

104 Charlie Blackmon, Colorado Rockies

108 Reggie Jackson, Oakland Athletics

110 Al Kaline, Detroit Tigers

120 George Brett, Kansas City Royals

123 Rod Carew, California Angels

134 Marcell Ozuna, St. Louis Cardinals

141 Anthony Rizzo, Chicago Cubs

142 Kirby Puckett, Minnesota Twins

143 Giancarlo Stanton, New York Yankees

144 Noah Syndergaard, New York Mets

148 Aaron Judge, New York Yankees

149 Cody Bellinger, Los Angeles Dodgers

150 Gary Sanchez, New York Yankees

153 Corey Kluber, Cleveland Indians

154 Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers

155 Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels

157 Francisco Lindor, Cleveland Indians

158 Corey Seager, Los Angeles Dodgers

159 Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates

162 Alex Bregman, Houston Astros

163 Carlos Correa, Houston Astros

165 Tony Gwynn, San Diego Padres

166 Jose Altuve, Houston Astros

167 Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants

169 Andrew Benintendi, Boston Red Sox

172 Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies

173 Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Indians

175 Ken Griffey Jr., Seattle Mariners

176 Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals

183 Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs

187 Nolan Ryan, Texas Rangers

189 Manny Machado, Baltimore Orioles

191 Mookie Betts, Boston Red Sox

192 Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals

195 Chipper Jones, Atlanta Braves

200 Mickey Mantle, New York Yankees

225 Anthony Rizzo, Chicago Cubs – Retro 1984

227 Andrew Benintendi, Boston Red Sox – Retro 1984

228 Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs – Retro 1984

230 Yoan Moncada, Chicago White Sox – Retro 1984

234 Francisco Lindor, Cleveland Indians – Retro 1984

242 Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels – Retro 1984

243 Cody Bellinger, Los Angeles Dodgers – Retro 1984

253 Aaron Judge, New York Yankees – Retro 1984

254 Mickey Mantle, New York Yankees – Retro 1984

256 Nolan Ryan, New York Mets – Retro 1984

Comments? Questions? Contact Ryan Cracknell on Twitter @tradercracks or by email.