Baseball has a magical way of turning everyday athletes into icons overnight. For the Los Angeles Dodgers, that magic is currently embodied in the form of Hyeseong Kim, a 26-year-old rookie who seems to have brought his own fireworks to the field since his explosive debut on May 3. Batting an impressive .386 with an OPS just shy of .985 over a span of 31 games, Kim isn’t merely a breath of fresh air for Dodgers fans but is also lighting up the MLB scene with his performance. While fans have been busy enjoying his athletic prowess, collectors have been equally enthralled by the skyrocketing value of Kim’s rookie cards.
In the wonderful world of trading cards, Kim’s 2025 Topps Series 2 rookie cards have become all the rage. The collectors’ interest isn’t just mild curiosity; it’s catching fire at levels that can only be described with the enthusiasm usually reserved for A-list movie premieres. Whether you’re flipping through base cards, admiring foils, or drooling over autographs and throwback inserts, Kim is shining across the new set’s spectrum as brightly as he is on the diamond.
Taking center stage is Kim’s selection of redemption autographs that aren’t much of a secret anymore. These have surpassed their sleeper status to become a full-on sensation, with some signed redemption cards soaring into the four-figure price range. Among the notable sales include those spanning $1,200 to a jaw-dropping $1,704. Indeed, these are not just cards; they’re more like golden tickets.
Of course, in the glittering treasury of collectibles, parallels hold a special allure. Kim’s Gold Foil 1/1 card recently fetched $650, a Black Diamante /10 dazzled its way to $600, and a Fireworks Foil /10 combusted at $350. There’s still the elusive Red Fireworks Foil /5, drawing eyes and possibly whispers of where it might land.
Nodding to nostalgia, Kim’s 1990 Topps Baseball Mojo Foil RC turns the past into something current and captivating. Donning those irresistible Dodger Blue borders, even the raw versions of this card are snapping up interest at around $10. However, slot in an autograph, and these lifestyle adornments are racking up to $400. Cards like these are for those who want a splash of retro in their lives, a sprinkle of timeless flair amid the chase.
Amidst them all, one card captures a curiosity that strikes a chord with quirkiness. Kim’s Golden Mirror Variation, which conveniently captures him mid-press conference, is as charming as it is collectible. Unconventional? Certainly, but as with anything tinged with a twist of the unexpected, it’s drawing in collectors by the dozens. Asking prices for these peculiar yet prized cards float between $150 and $425, proving that a bit of whimsy packaged in a player’s likeness goes a long way.
The headliners aren’t alone, though. The orange foil autograph from Kim’s Flagship Real One card, numbered to just 25, shows that even a small number holds massive sway. With redemptions closing at a cool $1,704 and others gracing eBay listings at $1,500, the premium on rarity is evidently cherished.
Kim’s phenomenal trajectory in the card market is bolstered by his imposing presence within the set, as three of the top 20 sales surpassing $1,000 in the 2025 Topps Series 2 have his name etched on them. That’s no small feat when other illustrious talents like Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki also breathe the same collector air. The Dodgers as an entity are on a hot streak, claiming 16 of the top 20 tracked sales by Card Ladder. It’s veritable dominance in every sense.
As Kim oscillates between second base and center field like a hummingbird fixated on blossoms, easing seamlessly into his roles, his presence in the hobby continues to veer towards that of a mainstay feature. Be it patrolling the verdant pastures of the outfield or wandering into collectors’ displays nationwide, this rookie has established a personable yet powerful claim. In a market as unpredictable as a pitch, there’s something comforting about investments that quite literally have a face and a story to narrate.
His rise hasn’t gone unnoticed. Collectors, like hawks, have been shadowing his moves, realizing that with every hit or home run, Kim’s rookie cards forge closer to becoming legendary mementos. They encapsulate not just a player’s nascent success but come to embody the heartbeats of returning seasons, cheering crowds, and the timeless allure of collectible stories waiting to be told.
