In a sport where talents sometimes emerge unexpectedly, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ latest trick up their sleeve is 26-year-old rookie Hyeseong Kim. Since stepping onto the diamond on May 3, Kim has been nothing short of sensational. With a striking .386 batting average and an OPS flirting with the .985 mark over 31 games, Kim has quickly become a name buzzing around Dodgers fans and MLB enthusiasts. But it’s not just his on-field exploits that have people’s attention; his rookie cards are rapidly becoming some of the most sought-after items among collectors.
The 2025 Topps Series 2 set has become something of a treasure trove for Kim enthusiasts, with his rookie cards turning heads and spinning turntables on eBay. From the more common base cards to the rare autographs and nostalgic throwback inserts, Kim is plastered all over this new collection and fans are taking note.
Let’s jump right into the heavyweight category: redemption autographs. A few of these signed redemptions have already crossed the coveted four-figure threshold, fetching prices ranging from $1,200 to a cool $1,704. These cards, once considered prospective gambles, are now the jewels of the card market crown.
But the excitement doesn’t stop at the autographs. One-of-a-kind cards and those with low-numbered parallels are also stirring up excitement. A Gold Foil 1/1 recently sold for a thrilling $650, while a Black Diamante numbered out of ten raked in $600. Meanwhile, a Fireworks Foil also out of ten had its own little celebration, selling for $350. Not to be outdone, a Red Fireworks Foil numbered to just five has caught omnipresent eyes of fervent collectors.
Kim’s 1990 Topps Baseball Mojo Foil RC is another gem. Adorned with retro aesthetics and iconic Dodger Blue borders, these cards are catching fire just out of the pack. The unauthenticated, raw versions are moving for around $10, but the autographed versions are on a different light show, lighting up the market at nearly $400 a pop.
A standout among the rare novelties is Kim’s Golden Mirror Variation card, showing him mid-press conference. While the casual shots might seem too quirky for traditionalists, the card’s eccentric vibe has made it a beloved collectible, with asking prices straddling the line between $150 and $425 on various listings.
Not to forget the mesmerizing orange foil auto from his Flagship Real One card, numbered to just 25, a true beauty among the collection. One such redemption card recently wrapped up on eBay for $1,704, while another lingers in anticipation at $1,500.
What makes Kim’s impact even more impressive is the fact that three of the top 20 sales over $1,000 from the entire 2025 Topps Series 2 set feature his rookie offerings. This accomplishment is noteworthy given that he shares the spotlight with baseball idols like Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki. The Dodgers, as a collective unit, have truly monopolized the spotlight in this set, with 16 of the top 20 high-dollar sales. It seems Hyeseong Kim is a pivotal player in more ways than one.
Kim’s dynamic presence on the field varies between securing second base and galloping across the center field – an embodiment of athletic versatility. His influence in the hobby world grows concurrently with his on-field roles. Whether he’s enhancing defensive prowess in the outfield or influencing the latest chart movements of card values, Hyeseong Kim is proving to be a rookie who commands attention.
Card collectors are more than aware of this rising star, following his statistical splits as eagerly as they track fluctuations in their card portfolios. They know that every swing of Kim’s bat and every clever play adds a layer to his growing legend, just as every uptick in card valuation signals his increasing prominence. The melding worlds of sports and collectibles find a mutual hero in Hyeseong Kim, a rookie turning heads, thrilling fans, and creating a buzz both at the ballpark and in hobby forums.
