In a move that’s bound to have baseball card enthusiasts lining up like kids at a candy store, Topps has unveiled its latest jewel: the All Kings insert for the 2025 Topps Baseball Series 2. This isn’t merely an homage to current prowess; it’s a celebration of timeless excellence on the diamond, packaged with flair and a hint of nostalgia.
Drawing inspiration from the rousing success of the All Aces insert—which glorified the gods of the mound—the All Kings set is a royal assembly of batsmen that could leave any pitcher quaking in their cleats. Leading the charge of contemporary royalty are none other than Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, two monolithic talents who have redefined the art of batting in recent years. With Ohtani’s ability to both pitch and hit sensation and Judge’s towering homers, they are the paragons of modern baseball brilliance.
The freshly minted roster features a total of 25 players and reads like a who’s who of present and past excellence. Standing proudly alongside Judge and Ohtani are present-day phenoms such as Juan Soto, the electrifying Elly De La Cruz, Bryce Harper, and the dynamic Bobby Witt Jr. These characters don’t just play the game; they light it up, inning after inning, season after season. And it’s their stellar performances that have given collectors plenty more reasons to revel in this glorious sport.
The tantalizing aspect of the All Kings lineup doesn’t end with the seasoned professionals. Entering the fray is James Wood, a rookie sensation making waves in his first season with the Washington Nationals. Wood’s remarkable start—tallying 11 home runs and 25 RBIs already—has already piqued the interest of rookie chasers everywhere. His presence in the set, potentially alongside serial-numbered or autographed versions, gives the card community something extra to talk about.
But what makes the All Kings insert an absolute must-have is its masterful blending of the present with the past. Topps isn’t stopping at modern luminaries; it’s opening the vault to include some of the greatest hitters to ever lace up their cleats. How could hobbyists resist when six-card legends like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Jackie Robinson, Derek Jeter, and Ken Griffey Jr. are presented in the same set as contemporary heroes? It’s a bold move, designed to ignite the imaginations of seasoned collectors and newcomers alike, interweaving the sport’s rich history with its dynamic present.
When considering market values, it’s hard not to compare All Kings against its predecessor, All Aces. If history is a guide, don’t bet against these Kings reigning supreme. All Aces proved its metal with staggering sales figures; a Shohei Ohtani All Aces auto numbered to ten, fetched over $6,500. Even more impressive was a baseline Ohtani PSA 10 from Series 1, selling for $1,775—a princely sum for a pitching insert. Demand hit high notes even for prospects like Paul Skenes, whose card managed to snag $1,800 in April. With names like Judge, Ohtani and a raft of historical figures in the All Kings set, expect collectors to be chomping at the bit.
As any savvy hobbyist knows, taste leans towards position players, synonymous with legendary home runs, glorious clutch hits, and flashy field plays. Topps is no stranger to producing fan-favorite themed inserts with eye-catching designs, and the All Kings series appears poised to surpass even its successful predecessors. Its superior lineup of revered sluggers is likely to make it the crown jewel of Series 2—a sought-after prize for collectors hunting for the perfect mix of rookie potential, legendary grit, and pure bat-swinging might.
Season after season, Topps has proven adept at crafting magic on cardboard, and with the All Kings insert, they’ve upped the ante once again. If you live for the thrill of great batting, moments of pure sporting drama, or simply the joy of adding a piece of baseball history to your collection, this is one set that prevents a royal opportunity. The All Kings insert has kicked off with a roar, and as it hits the market, the chase will be as exhilarating as the sport that inspired it.