The Los Angeles Dodgers, a team long celebrated for their payroll’s star power, have struck gold yet again. This time, the treasure comes in the form of Hyeseong Kim, a 26-year-old rookie sensation who has set not just the MLB box scores ablaze, but also the world of hobby card collections. Debuting on May 3, Kim has effortlessly captured fans’ hearts—and wallets—with a blistering .386 batting average and an OPS tantalizingly close to .985 over his first 31 games. It’s no wonder Kim has rocketed to prominence, becoming a figure of intrigue both on the field and in the fervent realm of sports memorabilia.
Enter the vibrant world of the collector’s market, where Kim’s 2025 Topps Series 2 rookie cards have made quite a splash. From the casual base cards to gleaming foils, cherished autographs to evocative throwback inserts, Kim’s cards have infiltrated the latest set with a fervor that collectors simply can’t ignore.
Let’s first turn our gaze to the prized redemption autos, the coveted heirlooms in the modern card collecting dynasty. A few of Kim’s signed redemptions have already broken through proverbial glass ceilings, surpassing four-figure valuations with ease. Recent sales have ranged from a modest $1,200 to an eye-popping $1,704. Gone are the days when these items could be considered mere sleepers, as they demand attention from seasoned collectors and rookies alike.
The collector’s market thrives on uniqueness, and Kim delivers with aplomb. One-of-one cards and scarce low-numbered parallels have shared this limelight, their value soaring as high as Kim’s fly balls. A Gold Foil 1/1 commanded a princely sum of $650, while a Black Diamante version, limited to just 10 copies, secured $600. Not to be outdone, a Fireworks Foil, similarly rare, lit up the scene at $350. Meanwhile, a Red Fireworks Foil, with only five in existence, has become a veritable magnet for discerning eyes.
For enthusiasts of nostalgia wrapped in vibrant hues, Kim’s 1990 Topps Baseball Mojo Foil RC brings together retro chic with Dodger Blue elegance. A raw card from this line is trading hands for around $10, yet the allure multiples tenfold with autographed variations from the same collection nudging towards $400.
Yet the hobbyist in pursuit of pure feline curiosity might find themselves captivated by Kim’s Golden Mirror Variation card. It captures the rookie not in motion but mid-press conference, offering a dash of the unconventional paired with an undeniable charm. This card, unique in its presentation, has prompted spirited bidding, with prices orbiting between $150 and $425.
Not to be forgotten is the orange foil auto from Kim’s Flagship Real One card, numbered to 25. A redemption for this item recently fetched a splendid $1,704, while another holds a lofty place on eBay, soliciting offers near $1,500. Clearly, Kim’s autograph carries a premium in this burgeoning market.
In an industry replete with titans like Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki, three of the top 20 sales exceeding $1,000 from the entire 2025 Topps Series 2 set belong to Kim—a remarkable feat. The Dodgers dominate the upper echelons of this product’s sales charts, responsible for 16 of the top 20 transactions tracked by Card Ladder. It’s a testament to the allure and staying power of the Dodgers’ brand.
As Kim’s on-field responsibilities expand—dividing his talents between second base and center field—so too does his influence within the collectibles arena. Whether patrolling the green stretches of the outfield or stealthily ascending the card market’s charts, Kim remains a rookie whose trajectory invites close scrutiny.
Collectors seem to agree, their rising bids echoing Kim’s escalating acclaim. His newfound role in the diamond is mirrored by his expanding footprint among card enthusiasts, creating a symphony of sporting success and market momentum. Truly, the rise of Hyeseong Kim paints a dynamic portrait of a rookie poised not only to alter baseball’s narrative but to etch his name within the annals of card collecting history.
