The bustling world of Major League Baseball (MLB) has a new rising star, and it’s not just the folks in the ballpark that are taking notice. Hyeseong Kim, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ latest rookie sensation, has captured the hearts of fans and collectors alike with his exceptional performance on the field and his coveted rookie cards in the collector’s market. Since making his MLB debut on May 3, the 26-year-old whiz-kid has been the talk of the town for more than just his batting prowess.
Sporting a batting average of .386 and an on-base plus slugging (OPS) brushing against .985 over the course of 31 games, Kim has rapidly won over Dodgers loyalists. His game, brimming with flair and consistency, is not only filling stadium seats but also creating a buzz in the sports memorabilia landscape, with his rookie cards becoming the object of many collectors’ desires.
The 2025 Topps Series 2 is where the magic happens. The series is more than just a collection of cards; it’s an homage to the players who are not only making headlines on the sports pages but also lighting up eBay listings. The rookie cards of Hyeseong Kim are riding high on this wave of popularity. From base cards to some truly eye-catching foils, and the more rare autographed and throwback inserts, Kim’s rookie cards have become a critical part of this new set, which hasn’t gone unnoticed by enthusiasts.
One can’t help but to gaze in awe at the crème de la crème of Kim’s offerings—the redemption autos. Signed redemption cards of Kim are playing in the big leagues of the collectors’ world, with some sales reaching a handsome four-figure sum. Prices have varied from $1,200 to an impressive $1,704. Clearly, these aren’t the sleeper picks flying under the radar; they’re front and center attractions in the zeitgeist of trading card enthusiasm.
Parallels of his trading cards have also tasted the sweet smell of success. A magnificent Gold Foil 1/1 was snatched up for $650, a Black Diamante /10 found a new home for $600, while Fireworks Foil /10 brightened the collection of one lucky owner for $350. But there’s more—buzz in the hobby space surrounds a Red Fireworks Foil /5 that continues to captivate potential buyers.
Even Kim’s throwback card has collectors reaching for their wallets. His 1990 Topps Baseball Mojo Foil Rookie card, complete with its delightful retro look and iconic Dodger Blue, is flying off the metaphorical shelves. For collectors swooning over nostalgia, it’s priced at about $10 for a raw card, whereas the version complete with autograph extravaganza can go for around $400.
In the ‘you-have-to-see-it-to-believe-it’ category, Kim’s Golden Mirror Variation card grabs attention with its quirky charm, capturing Kim mid-press conference in a way that’s, curiously enough, endearing. It’s unconventional, it’s a little odd, but it’s a surefire collectible nonetheless, boasting listing prices that fluctuate between $150 and $425.
Adding to the palette of treasures is the orange foil auto from Kim’s Flagship Real One card, which is numbered to a scarce 25. Recently, a redemption for one of these coveted articles closed for $1,704 and sits at the heart of many collectors’ dreams, with another floating dreamily on eBay at $1,500.
Undoubtedly, Kim is leaving his well-polished cleat mark on the 2025 Topps Series 2 collection, claiming three of the top 20 sales over $1,000, a point of prestige in a set that includes stalwarts like Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki. The Dodgers have commanded this roster’s high-end sales, accounting for 16 out of the top 20 tracked by Card Ladder, which isn’t too shabby by any stretch.
Hyeseong Kim’s journey seems to be a direct feed into the hearts of fans both at the games and back in their treasure-filled basements. Whether he’s out flexing his athletic marvels in centerfield or second base or climbing the price charts in the world of collectibles, Kim is a rookie who demands acknowledgment.
Sales figures seem to concur, with collectors enthusiastically validating his presence, driving excitement in both the sports and collecting arenas. This synergistic admiration ensures that Kim isn’t just a mention in the morning highlights anymore—he’s the name on everyone’s lips and positively, on collectible saves of digital carts.
