What happens when cardboard heroes meet the mightiest bats? Topps has answered that burning question with a kingly decree by unveiling its latest masterstroke: the All Kings insert. As the crown jewel of the 2025 Topps Baseball Series 2, this flamboyant set is poised to take the hobby world by storm, showcasing a veritable royal court of sluggers who’ve single-handedly redefined what it means to own the batter’s box.
After the resounding success of the All Aces insert from Series 1, which paid homage to the gladiators on the mound, it seems only fitting that the spotlight shifts to their counterparts: the heavy hitters! The All Kings insert makes no half-hearted attempt; instead, it embraces its moniker by mustering an impeccable lineup of today’s batting royalty along with illustrious legends who’ve carved their names into the annals of baseball lore.
At the heart of this legendary lineup stand two formidable modern icons: Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani. Judge, a towering presence both physically and statistically, continues his reign of terror at the plate, while Ohtani—a player of otherworldly duality—effortlessly marries pitching prowess with batting brilliance, turning each game into a spectacle. Their inclusion feels less like a decision and more like destiny fulfilled.
The lineup doesn’t stop at these colossi. It burgeons with 25 stellar names, including the likes of Juan Soto, Elly De La Cruz, Bryce Harper, and Bobby Witt Jr. These athletes not only generate headlines at every turn but also ignite excitement in the hearts of collectors—those fortunate few who clutch the coveted cardboard manifestations of their athleticism.
However, it’s often the young stars who truly invigorate the hobby, and the exclusive rookie in this regal congregation is James Wood. Hailing from the rising echelon, Wood dazzles in his inaugural season with the Nationals, swinging a bat that strikes both fear and fascination into the hearts of opponents and fans alike. His current league ranking—eighth in home runs with an impressive tally of 11—speaks volumes of his potential and promise. Rookie collectors might very well get their dreams fulfilled if Topps tantalizes with serial-numbered or autograph variations.
But Topps isn’t content to simply celebrate the here and now. The All Kings insert takes a majestic leap, honoring titans of yesteryear. From Mickey Mantle’s revered mystique to Jackie Robinson’s enduring legacy, this collection pays tribute to Willie Mays’ elegance, Derek Jeter’s eternal game-day poise, and Ken Griffey Jr.’s effervescent swagger. Their presence in this set bridges the past with the present, offering a rich tableau of the sport’s tapestry that collectors—both seasoned and novice—can cherish.
One might wonder how this release will fare against the celebrated All Aces in terms of market boom—a betting person might not bet against it, though! Already, we’re seeing jaw-dropping figures from the All Aces collection: a Shohei Ohtani All Aces autograph numbered to 10 sold for over $6,500, and a PSA 10 base version fetched upward of $1,775. Even Paul Skenes, a promising pitching prospect, saw his All Aces PSA 10s selling for $1,800 in the blink of an eye. And these numbers are for pitchers, mind you—historically, batters have often garnered even more acclaim and dollars!
With the hobby’s inherent bias favoring position players, and considering the extraordinary caliber involved, All Kings might very well emerge as the crown jewel of Series 2 releases. Whether your quest revolves around nabbing rookies, basking in the nostalgia of legends, or enlarging your collection of all things Judge and Ohtani, this series has something to offer.
Topps’ expertise in melding sleek, modern design with themes that captivate en masse has seen them rise to prominence. The All Aces was merely a prelude, gaining favor among collectors with its elegance and homage to pitching. All Kings promises to ascend higher, louder, and potentially more lucratively, with those who cherish the thrum of big bats and the magic of historic moments eagerly there to witness the ascension.
So, dust off your binders and prep your card sleeves—this is one regal court of baseball prowess you won’t want to pass on.