The Los Angeles Dodgers have always had a knack for unearthing talented players who quickly become stars, and their latest discovery, Hyeseong Kim, is no exception. Kim, a 26-year-old rookie, burst onto the scene on May 3 and has since been setting Major League Baseball ablaze with his impressive on-field performances. While his play has garnered him a rapidly growing fanbase, it’s his rookie cards that are setting the collector’s world on fire.
In just 31 games, Kim has posted a staggering .386 batting average coupled with an OPS just shy of .985, numbers that have transformed him into a sensation both on the diamond and among collectors. His hot streak has translated into a flurry of activity in the sports card market, where his rookie cards from the 2025 Topps Series 2 have become highly sought after commodities. From basic cards to specialty inserts, there’s a veritable feeding frenzy over anything bearing Kim’s likeness.
Among the most coveted of Kim’s rookie cards are the redemption autographs. These prized items have commanded prices ranging from $1,200 to $1,704, signaling that Kim is no longer a hidden gem. The market has cast aside any semblance of these being ‘sleeper picks’ as collectors scramble to acquire a piece of what is rapidly turning into baseball card gold.
Collectors are also racing after one-of-a-kind and limited print cards. The Gold Foil 1/1 recently achieved a sale price of $650, while a Black Diamante /10 went for $600. Not far behind is a Fireworks Foil numbered to just 10, which captured $350; however, its rarer Red Fireworks Foil /5 counterpart is drawing significant attention across auction platforms.
In a delightful twist of nostalgia and modern fandom, Kim’s 1990 Topps Baseball Mojo Foil RC has also emerged as a hot commodity. This item, which boasts classic retro styling alongside Dodger Blue borders, has sales of raw cards hovering around $10. However, adding Kim’s autograph to the mix escalates the value significantly, with some such cards reaching nearly $400.
The Golden Mirror Variation, an intriguing oddity among Kim’s cards, captures the rookie partway through a press conference. Its unique design has not only won over fans but also collectors, as evidenced by listings fetching between $150 and $425. The quirkiness of this card seems to add an irresistible charm, making it a must-have for those looking to complete their Kim collection.
Perhaps one of the more captivating stories is that of Kim’s Flagship Real One orange foil auto, numbered to just 25. One such card recently fetched $1,704 during an auction, while another lingers on eBay with a similar price tag of $1,500.
Kim’s rise is not merely anecdotal; statistically speaking, he features prominently in the top sales from the 2025 Topps Series 2 lineup. In fact, three of the top 20 sales, each eclipsing the $1,000 mark, are tied to Kim. He’s rubbing shoulders with hobby heavyweights like Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki, yet the Dodgers’ rookies, including Kim, have asserted their dominance, owning 16 of the top 20 transactions tracked by Card Ladder from this release. It’s safe to say that Kim’s impact both on and off the baseball field is nothing short of remarkable.
On the field, Kim’s adaptability has been a boon for the Dodgers, as he splits his time between second base and center field, a testament to his versatility and skill. Off the field, his ever-increasing presence in the card collecting community underscores his influence and appeal. As the season develops, it’s becoming clear that both baseball fans and card collectors should keep an eye on this burgeoning star.
Hyeseong Kim’s rookie year remains a compelling narrative with each at-bat and card sale, and if current trends are anything to go by, his story is far from over. His impressive meteoric rise reminds fans and collectors alike of the dynamic intersection of sports and hobby, where a standout athlete can equally dominate on the diamond and at the auction block.
