The Los Angeles Dodgers, an MLB franchise renowned for its ability to unearth raw athletic talent, seems to have struck gold once again with their latest rookie sensation, Hyeseong Kim. The 26-year-old has been lighting up both the baseball field and the collector’s market since his debut earlier this season. Batting a whopping .386 and boasting an on-base plus slugging (OPS) that has flirted with the .985 mark across 31 games, Kim is escalating quickly from promising newcomer to a true fan favorite. But it’s not just his on-field play that’s capturing attention; it’s the fervor surrounding his rookie baseball cards that’s adding to the buzz.
Hyeseong Kim’s rise has coincided with the release of the highly coveted 2025 Topps Series 2 cards. These aren’t just any rookie cards; they are collectibles that embody the perfect storm of sports prowess and nostalgic allure. From basic edition cards that collectors salivate over to highly sought-after autographs and aesthetic throwbacks, Kim’s presence is strongly felt in this new lineup of cards—and the market has taken notice in a spectacular fashion.
Taking center stage among these collectibles are Kim’s redemption autograph cards, which have swiftly transcended the status of sleeper picks to become blockbusters. These signed redemptions have already breached the four-figure mark, with eager collectors shelling out between $1,200 and $1,704 for a piece of memorabilia—a reflection of Kim’s burgeoning profile both on the diamond and in the hobby world.
Collectors of baseball cards know the allure doesn’t end with autographs. One-of-a-kind cards and those with exceedingly low print numbers are appealing treasures, and Kim’s selections are no different. A singular Gold Foil 1/1 engagingly found a new home for $650, while a Black Diamante limited to just ten copies sold for $600. Not to be outdone, the Fireworks Foil—likewise limited to ten copies—sparked interest and bagged $350. Then there’s the mystic excitement surrounding a Red Fireworks Foil limited to only five, with serious collectors keenly eyeballing each potential appearance in the market.
Another must-watch collectible is the Kim’s 1990 Topps Baseball Mojo Foil RC, a card that flawlessly interlaces retro aesthetics with the modern-day aspirations of a rising MLB star. With a Dodger Blue border as the perfect homage to team pride, these cards have become a treasure trove, typically commanding around $10 for unsorted versions. The allure, however, intensifies dramatically with autographs from this line pushing towards $400.
Perhaps one of the quirkiest, yet undeniably engaging additions to Kim’s card arsenal is the Golden Mirror Variation. This unique collectible captures Kim in a mid-press conference snapshot—a setting that’s refreshingly atypical for baseball card visuals. Despite its unconventional nature, or perhaps because of it, it’s become an incredibly charming get for collectors, with some determined hobbyists setting a price range between $150 and $425, presumably to seize this curious slice of baseball history.
For those whose interest leans towards exclusivity, Kim’s orange foil autograph from his Flagship Real One card, numbered to 25, might be the holy grail. A redemption for this card closed for $1,704, while another still tempts collectors, lying in wait at a listing price of $1,500.
Kim’s foray into the Top 20 sales category of the prestigious 2025 Topps Series 2 is a testament to both his skill and the market’s eager acceptance. Three of the top 20 sales in this set belong to him, an impressive feat when you consider the competition includes global superstars like Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki. The Dodgers as a whole can look upon this burgeoning market triumph with pride, occupying a staggering 16 spots among the top 20 sales as tracked by collectible data source Card Ladder. This dominance on both green field and glossy cardstock signifies a dazzling fusion of sports and commerce.
As Hyeseong Kim’s on-the-field role expands—alternating between second base and center field—his card price trajectory similarly sees no ceiling. Whether it’s his grace while covering the outfield or the economic growth of his card sales, Kim’s rookie season is proving to be a spectacle worthy of attention. For both baseball enthusiasts and cardboard capitalists, the name Hyeseong Kim is one bubbling over with potential, appealing to dreamers in stadium seats and eBay bidders alike. Rest assured, as his star continues to rise, collectors will definitely ride on his coattails, watching with eager anticipation and crossed fingers.
