Just when you thought the Los Angeles Dodgers couldn’t add more sparkle to their star-studded roster, along comes Hyeseong Kim, a 26-year-old rookie who’s not only dazzling fans with his on-field heroics but also electrifying the world of collectible sports cards. Since gracing the MLB with his presence on May 3, Kim has amassed a staggering .386 batting average along with an OPS flirting dangerously close to .985 over the course of 31 games. It’s the kind of rookie surge that not only warms the hearts of fans but also excites the calculating minds of hobbyists and collectors alike.
Naturally, this meteoric rise comes with its own memorabilia market frenzy, with Kim’s 2025 Topps Series 2 rookie cards setting ablaze the passion of collectors and investors. The portfolio is wide-ranging, each piece in this collectible jigsaw puzzle bringing a distinctive charm, from base cards to glimmering foils, signed redemptions to nostalgic throwback inserts. Whether through a random draw of fortune or astute market expectation, collectors seem to have stumbled upon a veritable treasure trove.
Taking center stage are Kim’s redemption autographs, which have barreled past the four-figure mark with notable ease. In recent times, these signed redemptions have exchanged hands for amounts ranging from a cool $1,200 to a staggering $1,704, thus adding fuel to an already blazing market. In such a bustling environment, sleepers are a nonentity, with every card reflecting just how much anticipation surrounds this rookie wonder.
And then, of course, come the one-of-a-kind selections and low-numbered parallels, where a Gold Foil 1/1 previously went for $650. A Black Diamante, one of just ten in existence, fetched a respectable $600. Meanwhile, a Fireworks Foil numbered out of ten lit up the bidding landscape at $350. There’s even a Red Fireworks Foil out of five that has become a coveted item, drawing collectors like moths to a flame.
Kim’s cards continue to surprise, with his 1990 Topps Baseball Mojo Foil RC—a nod to nostalgic collectors everywhere—making waves. Its retro flair, charming Dodger Blue borders, and accessible price point of $10 raw have rendered it a hot commodity. Not to mention, the autographed versions of this line have soared to around $400, challenging the established norms of collectability.
However, perhaps the most intriguing item on the market is Kim’s Golden Mirror Variation—a unique capture, capturing the rookie in mid-press conference mode. It’s unconventional, yet strangely endearing, its charm not lost on keen collectors. Listings for this variant have surfaced with price tags ranging between $150 and $425, indicating a growing appreciation for this quirkier piece of memorabilia.
The oranges of the hobby world, such as the orange foil autograph from Kim’s Flagship Real One card, continue to fetch top dollar. Numbered to just 25, one redemption recently closed at a price of $1,704, with its brethren lounging on eBay for a tidy sum of $1,500.
The stats don’t lie: Kim owns three of the top 20 sales exceeding the coveted $1,000 barrier from the complete 2025 Topps Series 2 set. Sharing space with giants like Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki, Kim stands tall, marking his presence with sheer determination and flair. Unsurprisingly, the Dodgers have been dominating high-end sales for this product, with 16 of the top 20 spots accounted for by the team, as tracked by Card Ladder.
Kim’s ascent in MLB mirrors his growing significance in the world of sports collectibles. Splitting his time seamlessly between second base and center field, he is expanding his footprint, leaving both crowds and collectors in suspense over his next move. Whether he’s cutting through the outfield like a dodgeball pro or watching his card values climb toward the stars, there’s no denying Kim’s magnetism for those enamored by rookie potential.
Collectors are clearly noticing. The rising sales figures for Kim’s cards speak volumes about the hype surrounding him. America’s favorite pastime has a new sensation, and it’s one who is pushing the boundaries of the sport while making waves in the collectible market. Keep your eyes peeled—this is one rookie whose journey you won’t want to miss.
