In the ever-evolving world of sports trading cards, Topps is once again capturing the limelight with a regal new release. The renowned card company, known for crafting stories on cardboard, is rolling out a fresh darling in its 2025 Series 2: the All Kings insert. This expansive collection sets out to crown the sport’s fiercest sluggers, following the resounding popularity of its predecessor, the All Aces insert, which zeroed in on elite pitchers.
Topps has taken the liberty to compose a veritable who’s who among the pantheon of modern-day heavy hitters, with none other than New York Yankees’ towers of power Aaron Judge and the Los Angeles Angels’ enigmatic Shohei Ohtani leading the charge. The duo, renowned for turning the batter’s box into their own personal stage, now takes a stately place in this collector’s trove.
The All Kings set, boasting a robust checklist of 25 names, wields a potent lineup that melds today’s baseball behemoths with yesteryear’s luminaries. Besides the aforementioned Judge and Ohtani, brace yourselves to encounter names like Juan Soto, Elly De La Cruz, Bryce Harper, and Bobby Witt Jr., all of whom have been consistently making waves in the 2025 season. These names alone promise to captivate the avid collector, akin to bees drawn to honey.
Adding to the luster is the singular rookie appearing amongst the All Kings ranks: James Wood of the Nationals, a fledgling turning heads with formidable flair. In his maiden season, Wood stands prominently in the home run rankings, amassing an impressive tally of 11 so far, and has delighted fans with 25 RBIs. His inclusion could indeed be the golden ticket many rookie chasers are craving, especially if Topps wields its magical touch to introduce serial-numbered or autographed editions later down the road.
However, what truly makes All Kings a crown jewel is its homage to the royal lineage of baseball’s past. The insert salutes some of the iconic figures that have shaped the game, such as Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Jackie Robinson, Derek Jeter, and Ken Griffey Jr. By inviting these legends to the lineup, Topps has skillfully merged the modern with the mythic, opening the floodgates of nostalgia for the seasoned aficionado while beckoning new fans to appreciate baseball’s storied roots.
One would ponder whether the All Kings insert can stand toe-to-toe with the All Aces in terms of market allure. Yet, look no further than the All Aces jaw-dropping sales—like Ohtani’s coveted All Aces auto /10 fetching a cool $6,500, or his PSA 10 base card seducing buyers at $1,775. Fans snapped up pitching maestro Paul Skenes’s All Aces PSA 10 for a handsome $1,800—proof enough that pitchers can sell. Now imagine the fervor when hitters are rolling in.
The hobby zeitgeist wherein hitters reign supreme places All Kings on a trajectory to not only match but possibly surpass its pitching predecessor. Collectors have a smorgasbord of reasons to be jubilant, whether they’re pursuing rookies, cherishing legends, or simply eying to bolster their cache of Judge and Ohtani memorabilia.
Topps has deftly mastered the art of marrying slick insert designs with narrative-rich themes. As All Aces firmly established its footing in collector circles as a favorite, All Kings appears poised to waltz in the same path. Only this time, the allure will be louder, bolder, and with a discernible clamor that could reverberate through the years. The grandeur of big bats and the splendor of iconic moments make this an insert impossible to overlook.
For those passionate about the vibrant tableau of baseball and its larger-than-life characters, Topps’ All Kings promises an expedition befitting royalty. It’s a banquet where both the storied past and the electrifying present find harmonious resonance, making it a tantalizing offering for collectors and baseball enthusiasts alike.
