The Los Angeles Dodgers, a team lauded for its ability to nurture young talent, appears to have unearthed yet another diamond in the rough—and it’s not just another line item on their substantial payroll. Enter Hyeseong Kim, a seasoned rookie at 26, who’s been blazing a trail across Major League Baseball since stepping onto the field on May 3. Far from just an explosive addition to the Dodgers’ lineup, Kim’s skills are sending ripples through the collecting community, making his rookie cards the latest must-have items in the world of sports memorabilia.
With batting precision that sees him maintaining a .386 average and an on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) that flirts optimistically with .985 over just 31 games, Hyeseong Kim is swiftly capturing the hearts of fans. His meteoric rise and electrifying performance have not only ignited MLB box scores but also sparked a frenzy amongst sports card collectors everywhere.
At the heart of this buzz are Kim’s 2025 Topps Series 2 rookie cards, which have become the collector’s delight. From basic base cards to their glossy, limited edition variations like foils, autographs, and nostalgic throwback inserts, Kim’s cards are emblematic of his growing impact, equally admired by fans and collectors. Such is their popularity that the cards are making regular appearances on premier trading platforms like eBay, rapidly ascending the ranks to compete with the exceedingly sought-after prints of legendary names.
An emblematic highlight from this card frenzy is Kim’s redemption autos, which are capturing serious attention—and serious cash. A handful of these signed redemptions have soared past the four-figure sum, with sales comfortably ranging from $1,200 to a peak of $1,704. These aren’t just quiet sleeper picks ensconced in binders—they’re dynamic investments coming to life in the vibrant marketplace of sports collectibles.
Beyond the redemptions, Kim’s allure extends to the rarer one-of-ones and low-numbered parallels that heighten the pursuit for exclusivity. A Gold Foil 1/1 recently commanded an impressive $650, while a Black Diamante numbered to just 10 copies garnered $600. Not to be outdone, a Fireworks Foil, another numbered to 10, sizzled with a $350 sale. Among these treasures is a Red Fireworks Foil, one of just five, which has become the apple of the hobbyist’s eye.
Moreover, Kim’s rookie card charm gets an artistic boost with the 1990 Topps Baseball Mojo Foil RC—a splendid relic of retro flair and signature Dodger Blue borders. This card, a fusion of past and present, finds itself frequently changing hands at around $10 for raw versions. But for those enchanted by the prospect of an autographed iteration, the price point tantalizingly dances near $400.
Undoubtedly quirky, yet irresistibly collectible, is Kim’s Golden Mirror Variation card. By capturing a snapshot of the rookie mid-press conference, this card resists convention but embraces charm. Demand for this unusual variant has birthed numerous listings, with sales negotiations bouncing between $150 and $425.
The Flagship Real One card adds another jewel to Kim’s cardboard crown. Its orange foil auto, limited to a mere 25 copies, stands out as a virtual golden ticket. One recently exchanged hands for $1,704, while its value continues to soar, attractive enough to rest comfortably on eBay at $1,500.
A remarkable feat given that three out of the top 20 sales above the $1,000 threshold from the entire 2025 Topps Series 2 set crown belong to Kim. To achieve such status amidst the stiff competition of contemporaries like Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki is commendable. Astonishingly, the Dodgers collectively dominate the product’s high-end sales chart, capturing 16 of the top 20 slots tracked by collectible trade authority, Card Ladder. An incredible achievement that reiterates the franchise’s knack for producing young stars and cementing its reputation.
As Hyeseong Kim further expands his role with the Dodgers, alternating between second base and center field, his influences both on the field and in the card collecting sphere grow. Whether he’s adeptly patrolling the outfield or climbing the collector’s echelon, this rookie is fast becoming a quintessential figure—one whose journey is equally compelling to fans and a cavalcade of collectors.
While his cards skyrocket in value, Kim continues to scale personal heights with a repertoire that promises longevity; it’s clear this rookie sensation is one to watch closely, as both his potential and portfolio offer compelling glimpses into a bright future. And as they say, the card doesn’t fall far from the player—his growing legend is passionately charted, card by card, play by play.
