In the world of baseball, certain players captivate audiences and collectors alike, and Hyeseong Kim has arrived on the scene as a brilliant star for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Not only has this 26-year-old rookie dazzled on the field since his debut in early May, but he has also created a frenzy among sports card enthusiasts faster than a spitball heading for home plate.
Kim has been nothing short of spectacular, posting a .386 batting average and boasting an OPS just shy of .985 over his first 31 games. His impressive feats on the diamond have Dodgers fans hooked, seeing in him the potential to become a staple in their lineup. Naturally, this budding star’s rise has not been confined to the physical game; his image (and signature) are commanding significant attention in the trading card domain as well.
The fever for Kim’s baseball cards has reached a boiling point with the release of the highly anticipated 2025 Topps Series 2 collection. Whether it’s base cards, glittery foils, autographed editions, or nostalgic throwback inserts, Kim is omnipresent in this latest set. For collectors, finding his cards has become something of a treasure hunt, with significant finds leading to windfalls.
Turning heads are the redemption autographs, which have already joined the elite club of four-figure sales. Prices, thus far, range a great deal from $1,200 to $1,704, with an upward trend that mirrors Kim’s on-field ascendancy. These cards, now hot commodities, punch well above their weight class alongside legends and international superstars who also feature prominently in this set.
Then there are the parallel cards, providing collectors with seemingly limitless ways to cherish Kim’s rookie year. A Gold Foil 1/1 changed hands for $650, and a Black Diamante /10 impressed at $600, whereas a Fireworks Foil /10 blazed past expectations at $350. With numerous permutations in play, it’s easy to see why collecting Hyeseong Kim has become a strategic endeavor that’s both exciting and slightly chaotic.
Kim’s allure expands into nostalgia, with offerings such as the 1990 Topps Baseball Mojo Foil RC. Its retro charm pays homage with classic Dodger Blue borders and is trading around $10 raw, but autographed versions turn up the heat, selling for near $400. It’s a reminder that the fusion of past and present taps into the inherent romanticism of baseball.
An intriguing and undeniably collectible card in Kim’s lineup is the Golden Mirror Variation. It brings the rookie to life in a uniquely candid press conference snapshot. While offbeat in nature, it’s endearing, highlighting the intimacy behind the athlete’s public persona. Listings for this card reflect its popularity, with prices spanning $150 to $425.
His Flagship Real One card features an alluring orange foil auto, numbered to just 25. This rarity caught the eyes of collectors with a recent redemption soaring to $1,704, while another listing confidently sits at $1,500. These numbers signal not just a boom in value but an emotional attachment that collectors pour into cardboard keepsakes.
Assessing the broader card market, Kim’s rookie cards have commanded three spots among the top 20 sales over $1,000 from the entire 2025 Topps Series 2 bucket. This is particularly noteworthy given the competition includes marquee names like Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki. Yet, the Dodgers’ collective contributions in this series have been prodigious—claiming 16 out of the 20 top spots tracked by the acclaimed Card Ladder.
As Kim continues to jostle between second base and center field, his influence in both baseball and on the collector’s scene shows no signs of waning. His role with the Dodgers is evolving, just as his collectors eagerly await his every move, ready to snatch up any piece of memorabilia that bears his image and signature.
While his bat and glove continue to silence doubters, it seems Kim has also found a way to compel action in a realm far from the pitcher’s mound. His cards stand as mementos, celebrating both his on-field prowess and his camaraderie with fans who believe in the story his career tells them. For now, at least, it’s safe to say that the name Hyeseong Kim isn’t just being inked on the Dodgers lineup card; it’s being etched into the annals of baseball card lore, to be revered by generations of hobbyists to come.
