In the bustling, diamond-studded world of Major League Baseball, sometimes the most unexpected treasures find their way into the spotlight. The Los Angeles Dodgers, a team known for its hefty payroll and star-studded lineup, seem to have perhaps lucked into a gem that doesn’t show up on balance sheets. In walks Hyeseong Kim—a rookie at the ripe age of 26—who isn’t just making waves on the field but is also causing quite the stir in the world of collectibles.

From the moment Kim stepped onto an MLB field on May 3, he’s been a blazing spectacle akin to the bright Los Angeles sun. And it isn’t just the fans who are paying attention. With a jaw-dropping .386 batting average and an on-base-plus-slugging (OPS) nearing .985 over the span of just 31 games, Kim has managed to turn more than a few heads. His dynamism at the plate is rivaled only by the surge in demand for a tiny piece of cardboard magic: his rookie cards.

Welcome to the captivating world of the 2025 Topps Series 2, where Kim’s cards have become nothing short of desirable artifacts. It seems the bidding wars have been as intense as a ninth-inning Dodgers-Giants showdown. Take, for instance, Kim’s redemption autograph cards, which have evolved from sleeper status to collectors’ prized possessions. These particular gems, graced with Kim’s autograph, have breached the four-figure threshold with ease, commanding prices between $1,200 to $1,704.

Then we have the show-stoppers: the one-of-ones and low-numbered parallels. These exquisite artifacts are turning heads and emptying wallets. A Gold Foil 1/1 recently snagged $650, while its Black Diamante /10 counterpart reeled in $600. Even a Fireworks Foil /10 managed to spark interest at $350. Not to be outdone, the Red Fireworks Foil /5 is drawing collectors like bees to honey.

The frenzy doesn’t stop at mere parallels. Even the quirky yet undeniably charming 1990 Topps Baseball Mojo Foil RC is gaining traction. With its nostalgic design, bordered by the iconic Dodger Blue, these cards are selling like hotcakes at $10 each. And, if you can get your hands on one adorned with Kim’s precious signature, prepare to spend upwards of $400.

Perhaps what captures the spirit of Kim’s vibrant season is his Golden Mirror Variation card, showcasing the rookie smack dab in the middle of a press conference. It’s an unusual choice for a card image but oddly winning hearts. Listings for this peculiar piece range from $150 to $425, a tidy sum for a glimpse into Kim’s off-field forays.

Adding more allure to this rookie sensation is the orange foil auto from Kim’s Flagship Real One card, numbered to a mere 25. One fortunate collector secured their bounty for $1,704, while another item currently relaxes on eBay with an inviting price tag of $1,500.

Astonishingly, three of the top 20 sales exceeding $1,000 from the entire 2025 Topps Series 2 belong to Kim. Not too shabby, especially when rubbing shoulders with legends-in-the-making like Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki. It appears the Dodgers have put a stranglehold on top-end sales, cornering 16 of the most lucrative 20 auctions tracked by Card Ladder. It sounds impressive for a rookie sharing the stage with MLB giants.

Kim has quickly become an embodiment of versatility, splitting his time between second base and center field, much like a Swiss Army knife for the Dodgers lineup. As Kim breaches the realm of star-studded players, his influence in the hobby grows exponentially. Whether he’s making athletic leaps in the outfield or inching up the ranks on card price charts, Kim remains a compelling figure to watch.

It seems the believers have already placed their bets, shelling out for those shimmering pieces of nostalgic art bearing Kim’s image and autograph. Yet, in the world of sports and collecting, nothing stands still. As Kim extends his tenure on the field, it’s exciting to ponder where his fledgling career, and those highly-coveted cards, will journey next. Enthusiasts and collectors, keep your eyes peeled—this is one rookie whose stock is rising, and it might just be the beginning.

Hyeseong Kim Topps Series 2