In the bustling world of Major League Baseball, where stars are molded by every swing of the bat and twist of the glove, a fresh face is catching the eyes of fans and collectors alike: Hyeseong Kim of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Since his debut on May 3rd, the 26-year-old rookie has not just thrilled fans with his skill but has also fired up the interest in his rookie cards, positioning him as a rising star both on the diamond and the collector’s market.
At the heart of this budding legend’s tale is a performance that’s nothing short of electrifying. Kim’s numbers speak for themselves—a stellar .386 batting average and an OPS close to .985 over 31 games. These stats dynamically highlight the remarkable impact he’s had on the field, capturing hearts at every swing and snag. But it’s not just his on-field prowess that has people talking; Kim has become a buzzword in the world of sports card collecting, a domain where enthusiasts eagerly track every rookie’s ascent.
Enter the 2025 Topps Series 2 set, featuring Kim’s rookie cards, which have quickly become coveted treasures. From straightforward base cards to intricate foils and intricate autograph variations, Kim’s cards are a fanfare of collectible nuance. The card that’s perhaps generating the most fanfare is the redemption autograph, a prized possession whose sales have peaked at between $1,200 and $1,704. No longer lurking in the shadows of card binders, these beauties are now centerpiece players in any serious collection.
The excitement doesn’t stop with autographs; one-of-one editions and low-numbered parallels are further energizing the market. A Gold Foil 1/1 impressively fetched $650, while a Black Diamante /10 and a Fireworks Foil /10 captured $600 and $350 respectively. Adding to the hoopla is a scarce Red Fireworks Foil /5, drawing collectors like a moth to a flame, with its rarity intensifying its desirability.
Kim’s appeal isn’t constrained to new age glitz and glamor cards; his 1990 Topps Baseball Mojo Foil RC, a card steeped in nostalgia with its throwback flair and signature Dodger Blue borders, is another chapter of his collectible saga. Selling for approximately $10 raw, the card offers a gateway for everyday collectors, while the autographed versions from this line command closer to $400.
Intriguingly, one card stands out not just for its value but for its sheer creativity: Kim’s Golden Mirror Variation card. Capturing a candid moment mid-press conference, it’s a dash of unconventional that feels weirdly relatable—a collector’s dream for those with a taste for the non-traditional. This quirky gem has listings ranging from $150 to $425, proof that value in the card world often comes with a side of personality.
Not to be missed is the Flagship Real One card, featuring an orange foil auto numbered to 25. Offering a slice of exclusivity, one such card recently closed at $1,704. Another of these wonder cards, resting at $1,500, is proof of Kim’s serious traction within collector circles.
Worthy of note is Kim’s dominance in sales charts. With three spots in the top 20 sales over $1,000 from the entire 2025 Topps Series 2 set, he’s cemented a legacy amidst a roster that includes established juggernauts like Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki. The Dodgers’ uniform is no stranger to superstar power with 16 of the top 20 tracked sales by Card Ladder belonging to their embrace.
Kim’s ability to seamlessly alternate roles between second base and center field on the turf mirrors his dynamic duel with card market trends. His versatile play style and consistent box score entries make him an enchanting figure, highlighting just why he’s a rookie who’s more than “just another player.”
Collectors are not just noticing—they’re investing, forecasting Kim’s trajectory both in excelsior hits and the bounded dimensions of a standard card. As the season rolls on, one thing’s for certain: both fans and collectors are keeping their eyes—and wallets—on Hyeseong Kim, the rookie trading baseball swings for soaring card sales.
