Under the golden California sun, a new star is on the rise. This time, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ scouting prowess has manifested in the form of Hyeseong Kim, the 26-year-old rookie who has not only caught the eyes of baseball fans but also set the heartbeats of hobbyists racing. Since his debut on May 3, Kim’s stellar performance has been lighting up the MLB box scores while simultaneously sending his rookie card values into orbit.
Kim has showcased his baseball genius with a .386 batting average and an OPS just shy of the magical .985 mark over a mere 31 games. It’s a jaw-dropping performance that naturally spells disaster for opposing pitchers but delight for die-hard Dodgers fans.
In parallel, the cardboard empire has responded with equal enthusiasm. Kim’s rookie cards, enshrined in the 2025 Topps Series 2 collection, have transformed into veritable holy relics for baseball card aficionados. From humble base cards to dazzling foils, autograph treasures to nostalgia-inducing throwback inserts, Kim’s memorabilia is painting the market Dodger blue and fascinating collectors worldwide.
Let’s take a dizzying tour through the star-studded lineup of must-have Kim cards. Leading the lineup are the head-turners: redemption autos. They’re the rook’s highlights, with spectators watching in amazement as these cards have crossed the four-figure finish line. Who would have guessed a piece of cardboard might command a price tag between $1,200 and $1,704?
For those who love rarity, one-of-ones and low-numbered parallels provide a delightful pursuit. A Gold Foil 1/1 was snapped up for a modest $650, while a Black Diamante, numbered to ten, secured $600. A tantalizing Fireworks Foil /10 didn’t just flicker—it ignited collectors’ desks at $350. Witness also the Red Fireworks Foil /5, a breathtaking specimen drawing countless admirers like moths to a flame.
Meanwhile, a delightful dose of retro awaits in Kim’s 1990 Topps Baseball Mojo Foil RC. Nostalgia meets novelty as this card, adorned with the Dodgers’ iconic blue borders, sells raw for around $10. Throw in an autograph, and the price coolly sprints to $400.
If you’re keen on collecting quirkiness, Kim’s Golden Mirror Variation card stands out as a true curiosity. Capturing our rookie journeying through a press conference, it encapsulates an offbeat charm that’s converted into hardcore collectible currency. It’s shown asking prices that vary between $150 and $425, a testament to the unique and highly marketable flair of the shot.
Adding to Kim’s collectible repertoire is the orange foil auto, beckoning from his Flagship Real One card, which is numbered to a mere 25. Anticipation brewed as one of these redemptions closed a deal at an eye-popping $1,704, while another paraded itself with an asking price of $1,500 on eBay’s virtual auction block.
It’s an opulent display when three out of the top 20 highest sales from the entire 2025 Topps Series 2 set belong to Kim. Amidst giants like Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki, he’s carving out an impressive niche. The Dodgers have indeed stamped their authority, claiming 16 of these coveted top 20 spots, with Kim trailing only as they shoot for the stars.
With each game, Kim’s role on the field evolves, seeing him showcase his dexterity as he seamlessly maneuvers between second base and center field. Correspondingly, his presence in the hobby grows, with enthusiastic collectors tracking his every swing and stat. Whether Kim is making acrobatic catches in the outfield or quietly letting his trading card prices soar, his emergence as a star attraction in the world of baseball—both on and off the field—is undeniable.
Collectors and fans alike are already clued in to his meteoric rise, eagerly anticipating each new feat that adds to his burgeoning legacy. Indeed, Hyeseong Kim is the rookie who is worth every bit of the attention he commands. His story continues to unfurl card by card, and it’s one that spellbinds fans and collectors across the globe.