Once again, the Los Angeles Dodgers are proving their knack for unearthing baseball talent. This time, the spotlight shines brightly on the 26-year-old rookie Hyeseong Kim. Since making his debut on May 3, Kim has not only lit up Major League Baseball with an electrifying performance but has also sparked a frenzy in the sports card market, creating a whirlwind of excitement both on and off the field.
Kim’s impressive MLB start, a display of prowess and precision, is characterized by a blistering .386 batting average and an OPS flirting with the .985 mark over his first 31 games. These scorching stats have swiftly propelled him into the hearts of baseball lovers and card collectors alike. Nestled among a host of major league luminaries, Kim’s rookie campaign is shaping up to be one for the books—no small feat considering the Dodgers’ storied history and hefty payroll.
As Kim’s talents generate buzz in big league circles, a similar narrative unfolds in the world of sports card collecting, where his Topps 2025 Series 2 rookie cards are experiencing a meteoric rise. Within this treasure trove of cardboard creativity, from base cards to eye-catching foils, Kim emerges as a significant player, his likeness gracing everything from autographs to nostalgic throwbacks, captivating collectors’ imaginations.
A star among the stars, Kim’s redemption autos, especially, are carving out financial milestones. A handful of these signed redemptions have impressively breached the four-figure line, with transactions ranging from $1,200 to an eye-popping $1,704. These cards are rapidly transforming from speculative investments into sought-after collectibles.
Not to be overshadowed, the ultra-rare and lower-numbered cards are causing a stir. A Gold Foil 1/1 dazzling bidders at $650, a Black Diamante /10 raking in $600, and a Fireworks Foil /10 trading at $350 all illustrate the fervor surrounding Kim’s cards. Rumors swirl around a Red Fireworks Foil /5, captivating collectors’ attention with its elusive charm.
Complementing this buzz is Kim’s 1990 Topps Baseball Mojo Foil RC. With its retro vibe and Dodger Blue design, it’s a hot pickup priced around $10 in its raw form. However, the autographed versions are skyrocketing, commanding up to $400 among eager buyers.
Making waves, too, is Kim’s Golden Mirror Variation. This unique card captures the rookie mid-press conference—a snapshot blending unconventional, quirky appeal with collectible appeal. Listings showcasing this card tout prices between $150 and $425, affirming its status as a must-have piece for many enthusiasts.
Adding to the allure, there’s Kim’s orange foil auto from his Flagship Real One card, a card numbered to just 25. One recent redemption achieved a closing price of $1,704, while another continues to vie for collector attention on eBay with a tantalizing $1,500 tag.
Kim’s cards rank high among top sales, with three of the top 20 transactions from the entire 2025 Topps Series 2 set baring his name. This is no ordinary feat when you’re rubbing shoulders with card-collecting royalty like Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki. In fact, the Dodgers have been a dominant presence, marking their territory with 16 of the top 20 sales monitored by Card Ladder. Talk about a collection powerhouse.
In the real world, as Kim splits his time between second base and center field, his presence in the hobby continues to flourish. Be it roaming the outfield or quietly climbing the sports card price charts, his trajectory is irresistible. His ascent is a testament to rookie fervor and the perennial hope of collectors seeking the next big thing.
Collectors have certainly taken note. As Kim evolves with every game, so does the value and allure of his cards. It’s a dynamic that reflects the captivating intersection of sports and collectibles—a space where numbers tell stories and ink on cardboard carries the legacy of those who dare to dream. As Hyeseong Kim forges his path in the hallowed annals of baseball, his cards echo an odyssey woven with promise, passion, and a sprinkle of Dodger magic.
